Lakeview High roots on Ada LeAnn during semifinals of 'American Song Contest'
Battle Creek’s Ada LeAnn had the hopes of Michigan in her hands when she took the stage during Monday’s episode of NBC's "American Song Contest."
That included her classmates and friends at Lakeview High School, who were watching the show along with the rest of America.
And according to that group gathered for a watch party, no matter what happens next, she did not disappoint.
LeAnn was fourth among the jury vote after her performance and whether she advances will now depend on the online vote.
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"We are just so proud of her. We all came into tonight to support her," Lakeview student Jack Austin said. "It will be great to see her go through all the way to the finals after the vote, but if she doesn't we are all still so proud of her."
LeAnn, the youngest competitor in the show at 17, sang her original song, "Natalie," once again on Monday. She had reached that moment by being chosen by a jury of experts during the Week 5 qualifiers. In the semifinals she was among 11 artists competing for a spot in the Grand Finale. After Monday night's result, she is now vying for one of four spots among those 11 that will be decided by "America's Vote," which continues on NBC.com until 8 a.m. on April 26. A second semifinal is scheduled for next week.
Even though her friends had heard "Natalie" already, they were excited to see LeAnn on the big screen once again.
"Super proud of her, to see how far she has come," said classmate Grace Cox. "It's insane. We know her. We were just in class with her the other day, and how she is up there on the TV on the big stage, it's crazy."
"I love her song," Lakeview student Bri Berning added. "It's so pretty, she sings it so well. It just sticks with you for awhile."
Greg Black, the choir teacher at Lakeview, was among those organizing Monday night's gathering.
"When she made it to semifinals, we knew we wanted to do something, have a watch party," said Black. "This is really, cool. I'm just hoping that not only Battle Creek, but all of Michigan will get behind her and vote her through."
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Lakeview roots on Ada LeAnn during semis of 'American Song Contest'
