Photo By Sgt. Whitney Woods | The top winners, Army members Spc. Pha Xiong, Spc. Arielle Polynice and Sgt. Charles...... read more read more
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.
“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 5th grade,” said Xiong. “For me this is just something that I truly enjoy.”
The second contestant, Spc. Brittany Talley, an ammunition specialist with the 664th Ordnace 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,” said Talley. “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, said Hernandez.
In the end, Xiong, a native of Fresno, Calif., won and expressed his gratitude toward those around him.
“I didn’t know it was possible, and I am so appreciative,” said Xiong. “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,” said Xiong.
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, said Hernandez. The auditions are still open to active duty Service members online until Oct. 4, 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: | 09.25.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2015 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 177651 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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