Photo By Sgt. Whitney Woods | Spc. Jamal Ferguson, a motor transport operator assigned to the 115th BSB, 1st Cavalry...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas - The crowd cheered and music played as each performer took to the stage and gave their all for a chance at the title of best Army singer and a big prize.
Six Soldiers competed for the opportunity to be the top singer on the installation during the Operation Rising Star 2015 singing contest, at the Phantom Warrior Center on Fort Hood, Friday.
“Operation Rising Star is a competition that allows Soldiers and active duty family members to publicly showcase their talents that otherwise would not be made known to other service members,” said Norma Hernandez, the special events coordinator.
The first contestant, Spc. Pha Xiong, a medic with the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, sang “Gorillas” by Bruno Mars. He said his love for music started a long time ago.
“I have been performing since I was in the fifth grade,” Xiong said. “For me this is just something that I truly enjoy.”
The second contestant, Spc. Brittany Talley, an ammunition specialist with the 664th Ordnance Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, sang “PYT” by Michael Jackson, and said this was the opportunity of a lifetime.
“It can be really hard to do what you love and maintain the Army’s image of professionalism,” Talley said. “This is a God-given chance to work for the Army and be able to let loose.”
Although there were two previous competitions, this night was the last one held on Fort Hood and the top three winners took home cash prizes.
The first place winner will compete with military members and families from every installation and branch of service around the world, Hernandez said.
In the end, Xiong, a native of Fresno, California, won and expressed his gratitude toward those around him.
“I didn’t know it was possible and I am so appreciative,” Xiong said. “All of the
competitors were great and I am just so excited to be able to be a part of something like this.”
Xiong will continue on his musical journey and represent the entire installation in the last Operation Rising Star competition for 2015 in San Antonio, for the hopes of being the overall star.
“I practiced a lot for this and I am going to make Fort Hood proud,” Xiong said.
Xiong also won a cash prize of $750 and a spot in the famous traveling Soldier Show.
The competition was once only open to Soldiers, but now active duty families have a chance to compete also, Hernandez said. The auditions are still open to active-duty service members online until Sunday, and the top five will duke it out through online voting. If you would like to submit your auditions, visit www.armymwr.com.
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2015 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 177921 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FRESNO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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