Battle Creek teen Ada LeAnn wins Single of the Year at Josie Music Awards
"Natalie" was the big winner at the annual Josie Music Awards, which means Battle Creek's Ada LeAnn is an even bigger winner when it comes to her rising singing career.
LeAnn, a senior at Lakeview High School, was invited to perform at the 8th annual Josie Music Awards on Sunday at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. She earned her invitation after being nominated for Single of the Year in the pop category for her song "Natalie". Her EP, "For the Sake of Pete", was also nominated for EP of the Year.
The Battle Creek 17-year-old heard her named called as the winner for Single of the Year and went onstage to receive the award. According to LeAnn, that was almost as cool as when she graced the boards of the historic building later in the night to sing in front of the top people in the independent music industry.
"I was definitely thrilled to take the stage and win that award," LeAnn said. "It was exciting, because I went to these awards last year and was nominated and didn't win. So it was cool to go up there and give a little speech to say how grateful I am to win and for the people that have helped me get there. It was super awesome.
"But going up on that stage later in the show to sing, was the more surreal moment for me. That stage is so iconic, it is a dream for so many artists to go up there. So that was amazing. ... I was nervous to sing, but it was almost like I was confident. I knew it was a big stage. And I just said to myself, there is no way I was going to mess up at the Grand Ole Opry."
The Josie Music Awards is described as the "largest, most respected, revered award show" for the independent music industry. Last year, LeAnn was nominated in the Teen Division. This year, she was in the Open Division, competing with some of the best artists in the country.
"It is easy to get discouraged when you are a small artist and you think no one is listening to your music, then something like this happens and it is very validating," LeAnn said.
Getting the nomination and a spot in the event came, in part, from her standout performance on NBC's singing show, "Great American Song Contest" in the spring. As the only teenager in the competition, and representing Michigan, LeAnn advanced to the semifinals. As part of her experience last week, LeAnn also appeared as the closing act at the Josie Music Awards Festival on Saturday night at the Nashville Palace.
And it has all come because of her breakthough song, "Natalie".
"I am really grateful for that song," LeAnn said. "That song has given me a lot of opportunities and opened a lot of doors."
LeAnn has delayed her return to high school life in Lakeview, having an extended stay in Nashville this week for some writing sessions. Earlier this month, she released her latest two songs − "I'm A Wreck" and "Sold Out On My Heart". Both are available on Spotify, with more information on her website www.adaleann.com. All of LeAnn's songs are available on all platforms, including Amazon, Pandora, iHeart Radio.
"Doing a lot of writing and recording this week, working with my producer here in Nashville," LeAnn said. "Excited about what we are doing and excited to share. I think it will be some of my best stuff yet."
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek's Ada LeAnn wins Single of the Year at Josie Music Awards
