Photo By Burrell Parmer | JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON - Twelve finalists were chosen from various...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FT. SAM HOUSTON (Dec. 1, 2015) – On the heels of Celebrate America’s Military Week, live music hits Military City USA as service members, spouses and civilians are at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre to sing their way to the title of “2015 Operation Rising Star” in the Army’s worldwide competition, Nov. 28 – Dec. 4.
Twelve finalists were chosen from various auditions to compete in the Army Entertainment’s series of four shows designed to showcase their vocal talents.
Among them is Navy Counselor 1st Class Steven Powell, a recruiter assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Concord, Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Francisco.
Powell, a native of Kansas City, Kan., said that he had never heard of Operation Rising Star until he was contacted by a fellow veteran overseas.
“A friend of mine in Okinawa, Japan, sent me a Facebook message about Operation Rising Star,” said Powell. “He said that I would be a great candidate for the competition. I went on the website (www.oprisingstar.com) and submitted a video audition, so I am here; a very happy guy. Music is my passion and this is a great opportunity to do what I love.”
During the first round held Nov. 28, Powell sang “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn.
“The first round was very tough. There are a lot of talented people here and you have to be on your “A” game,” said the 50-year-old. “You can never underestimate anybody here. It’s truly about the votes, getting everyone to participate in voting which is what the singers need to help them make it to the final performances.”
For the Nov. 30 performance, he sang “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé, and attributed his successful performances to his team mentor, Sgt. 1st Class Darren McGraw.
“The mentorship which my team receives from McGraw is great and we need it all to make it forward,” said Powell. “Just having talent will not get you to the top in this competition.”
According to McGraw who was the 2012 Operation Rising Star winner, Powell has the highest vote counts in his team and is a natural performer.
“When he hits the stage, I don’t even worry,” said McGraw. “When they call his name and he drops that first note, it’s on like a light switch.”
Powell joined the Navy in 1984 and became a recruiter in 2000 after serving as an aviation structural mechanic on the P3 aircraft.
“I wanted to see the world and learn how to work on airplanes,” said Powell. “I became a recruiter because I wanted to give back. I wanted to be a mentor and share what I learned to the young men and women coming into the Navy.”
Powell said that he first started singing as a child, and as a recruiter with NRD Phoenix, he was prompted by a fellow recruiter, Senior Chief Navy Counselor Santiago Briseno, to audition for the national anthem for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
Powell’s performance at the Phoenix Suns led him to singing the national anthem for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Cardinals, the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Raiders and many others to include singing God Bless America during game three of the 2014 World Series.
In addition to singing the nation anthem, Powell sings gospel and is part of a 17-piece studio big band in Lafayette, Calif.
Music and service runs in Powell’s family. Two of his five children served in the Navy, while one is currently serving on the USS Gridley (DDG-101), homeported in San Diego.
His brother is a drummer for James Ingram and one of his cousins is the bass guitar player for Justin Bieber. Amongst six siblings, five served in the military and his father served in the Army Air Corps during WWII.
Powell thanked his leadership at NRD San Francisco for allowing him the opportunity to compete.
“They have supported me 100 percent. They have supported me in every facet. I cannot say enough about NRD San Francisco. They are truly in my corner.”
Admission to the shows is free and the competition finals are scheduled for Nov. 28, Nov. 30 and Dec. 2. Fans from garrisons and installations will get an opportunity to view the performances online and vote after each show. All the contestants will return for a concluding show on Dec. 4 to reveal the winner of 2015 Operation Rising Star.
To view Powell’s performances go to www.oprisingstar.com. Voting for Round 2 will on Dec. 1 beginning at 8am. The final round of online voting will be on Dec. 3 beginning at 8am. After the three rounds of voting (50 percent on-line and 50 percent by three judges), six competitors will advance to the grand finale on Dec. 5.
The winner of the 2015 Operation Rising Star Finals will receive an all-expense paid trip to record a three-song demo at a location selected by Army Entertainment. The trip for the winner and a guest will include airfare, lodging and three days of studio time plus $1,000 spending cash. Second and third place winners also receive a cash award.
“It makes me feel really good to represent the Navy and to do my best to bring home the title for my service,” said Powell.
| Date Taken: | 12.01.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2015 11:30 |
| Story ID: | 183173 |
| Location: | KANSAS CITY, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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