Last night was a talent show in our district for all kids between the 5th and 12th grade. That’s a huge age bracket, but it didn’t stop my 11 year old 5th grader from entering. I’m biased to a degree that almost negates the validity of my comments, BUT she was awesome. 
Also important to note, is that almost every other singer in the competition sang with the regular artist’s CD, and effectually “sang along with the radio version.” That’s not to downplay anyone’s performance, just to express how proud of Amanda I am for singing to the music-only version of the song. See for yourself Amanda singing Krystal Meyers’ “Beauty of Grace”, and let her know in the comment section whatcha think:
UPDATE: If the youtube video above is blocked, try going here instead…
by Tia, on April 24 2008 @
Amanda you sounded great!!!!! Wish I could have been there to hear it in person!!! You have such a great voice!!! I am very proud of you!!! Love Aunt Tia
by Justin Ryan, on April 24 2008 @
Holy…wow.
I…
I mean it’s…
What I’m trying to say…
Wow.
by Nicolette McGovern, on April 24 2008 @
Amanda,
You might not remeber me but when you were little I used to babysit you. You did such a great job and have grown into a beautiful young lady. Wow, what a wonderful job! Donna and Shawn you are so blessed to have such a talented daughter.
God Bless!
Nicolette
by Jim Wright, on April 24 2008 @
Holy Moly, that kid is awesome! What a great voice.
Hey, Shawn, howsabout a singing Linux Journal review? Her, not you, of course
by Josh Gelatt, on April 24 2008 @
What a great performance! You sang the song so well, especially in front of so many people. Sorry to have missed up, but thanks to your teckie dad we got to see it anyway.
- Josh
by Janiece, on April 24 2008 @
Great job, Amanda! Keep singing, and keep your confidence high when doing so!
Signed, a Fellow Singer
by Melissa Brazier, on April 24 2008 @
Amanda, What an awesome job! Keep on encouraging others to stand up for Christ. LOVE YA!
Mrs. Brazier
by Tania, on April 24 2008 @
Wow! Fabulous job Amanda. Keep at it, you’ve got some pipes to be proud of.
by jessica beaudry, on April 24 2008 @
that is my little sister!!!
amanda i am so proud of you, i wish i could have been there to watch you rock!! you rock my socks for sure!!
i love and miss you and i will be home in 6 days!!! cant wait
by Uncle Christopher, on April 24 2008 @
All I remember saying the whole time was “wow that is my niece!!!” Good Job kiddo!!!
by Monochrome Rainbows, on April 24 2008 @
Do your children know you blog about them? I can just picture embarrassed kids saying Daaaaaaaaad why don’t blog about celebrities like everyone else?
I’m just imagining what I would have said as a kid though.
by kimby, on April 24 2008 @
It takes a special type of person to be able to get up and open their soul for other to see.
Great Job Amanda…from one singer to another!
by Jessica Williams, on April 24 2008 @
She was great! What a beautiful voice! I am SO proud of you Amanda!
Love ya!
by Denise Ackerman, on April 24 2008 @
Wonderful job, Amanda. How brave of you to sing so boldly before so many people. I am proud of you!
Mrs. Ackerman
by Sarah Prine, on April 24 2008 @
GREAT JOB AMANDA!!! You are an awesome singer! Keep up the good work and hope to see all of ya soon!!
by Vince, on April 24 2008 @
Yay Amanda! I was much older before I had the courage to get up in front of an audience. You did great!
by Angela Palmer, on April 24 2008 @
WOW!! That’s all I have to say…you did an amazing job!! That must have taken a lot of courage to sing in front of all your classmates!! You have a beautiful voice and are growing up so quickly!! Great job!!
by Kate Baker, on April 24 2008 @
Amanda,
From what I could see on the video, you looked like you were really into that song, which gives you stage presence that today’s stars could only hope to exhibit.
Excellent job!
by Robin, on April 24 2008 @
Wow! What happened to that little girl I once knew?! She is all grown up!
Amanda - you did a really fantastic job singing that song and you have a beautiful voice. Keep on singing and glorifying God with that voice!
Shawn & Donna - you have a lovely daughter and every reason to be proud! She shows confidence and composure beyond her years.
On another note: Love you all, miss ya & praying for ya! - Robin Halsted
by Nathan, on April 24 2008 @
Shawn, You go out and buy that girl a pizza. And I mean right this very instant.
No, don’t reply…get the girl reward pizza!
by Vince, on April 24 2008 @
Just don’t get it delivered from Dominos.
by Brianna, on April 24 2008 @
WOWWW!!!! u r sooooooooo grown up……..u sound amazing. great job!!!!=)
miss u and luv u lots.
bri
by Nathan, on April 24 2008 @
Well I did tell him to go out and get it, Vince.
by Kari, on April 24 2008 @
Amanda,
I could not believe that was you singing on that stage. I was so excited and I felt adrenaline rushing through me when you sang. You were awesome, and you totally blew the crowd away!
Keep on singing! > Kari
by Pete, on April 24 2008 @
Wow. She is “shawesome.”
Get it? Shawn + awesome? Shawesome?
Seriously, great work!
by Donna Walin, on April 25 2008 @
You could be the next American Idol! Great job Amanda, you’re awesome!
by Becky Killingbeck, on April 26 2008 @
Amanda, You did a great job! I wish I could have seen it in person. God Bless
by Anne C., on April 27 2008 @
Beautifully sung, Amanda. You’ve got a great voice and stage presence. Bravo!
by karin hayes, on April 27 2008 @
Amanda, that was outstanding! I would buy your CD!!! American Idol, here she comes! Great job!!!
by Coach Fletcher, on April 27 2008 @
Great job, Amanda! I’m very proud of you. I never knew the quiet girl in the front row had such a big voice. I wish I could have seen it live.
by amanda hart, on April 29 2008 @
you did great luv ya gril
by Kelsie, on May 22 2008 @
Hey Amanda, my computer wouldn’t load the show. but i was there and saw you. you were so ama..za..zing! lol I love you and i just wanted to say you are brave. braver than i’ll ever be.i could never do that by myself. i love you like a sister
love always, kelsie