From Ishpeming to Hollywood, two young performers are working on their tickets out of the U.P.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 7:22 a.m.
Read more: Local, Entertainment
They're hoping to make a name for themselves, outside the comforts of home.
Acoustic pop singers-songwriters, 17-year-old Adam Whittington and 16-year-old Emily McGlone, are hoping to strike a chord with a record company.
"I'm just hoping and I'm believing in that this singing thing is going to take me somewhere," said Emily McGlone.
"It's a lot of fun, but it's a challenge, said Adam Whittington. "I've been trying to find different venues to get my music heard--performing with people, going on stage doing events--just everything I can do."
Both teens have the same aspirations, although they're going about it two different ways.
Emily is a contestant in an online contest on www.mileyworld.com. If she wins, she'll get a record contract and Miley Cyrus as a vocal coach. So far, she's done well. She's in the top six after submitting her latest music video, Michael Jackson's 'Billy Jean.'
"I have this mindset that I'm not going to win, so if I do win, it will be even more amazing," Emily said.
As for Adam, he's produced his own album and has recently had one of his songs air on the radio.
"I've pretty much been singing all my life," Adam said.
Adam and Emily give credit to the their families for supporting them thus far.
"Especially my mom, she really believes in me, and she just let's me do what I want to get there," Emily added.
And to get there will take sacrifices.
"I've lost friendships, I've lost things due to competition and jealously," Adam said. "You just got to push through it and focus on the ultimate goal."
Adam and Emily know they don't have a free ticket to fame, but they're hoping that with what they're packing will one day get them to Hollywood.
