Greenlit by Antoy Grant
Submitted by Michael Stover – Push Power Promo
Madelyn Victoria original song. Filmed at Cowboys Dance Hall San Antonio. Filmed/Directed/Edited by James Hill. Actor- Mat Slovacek
“Country music hits the heart, and feeds the soul; it’s the story of all our lives in one way or another.” That’s Madelyn Victoria’s perspective on the depth of Country music and just one of many reasons why this talented young vocalist and songwriter from Deep South Texas decided to pursue a career in the Country Music industry.
Madelyn Victoria was born on September 2nd, 1990 in Harlingen, TX, and has literally been influenced by Country music since then. “My obstetrician, Doctor Hughston, had Country music playing throughout the operating room while he delivered me! I think that’s the coolest thing, and one of the many reasons why I love Country music so much.” Her penchant for singing and performing was evident at an early age, with only a brush as a microphone, and coffee table as a stage, Madelyn would perform for her family singing along to George Strait, Alan Jackson, Selena, and more. She then had her first public performance at a San Benito High School Christmas Play when she was only five years old. “I remember feeling nervous but loving it at the same time… the nerves slowly went away with every performance after that… this is what I was born to do.” Eager to continue singing and performing, she entered local talent competitions and pageants in South Texas, earning top awards and gaining recognition throughout her youth.
At the age of 13, Madelyn became a part of her church choir and no more than a year later, alongside her Pastor Dr. Dwayne Spearman, she became the lead vocalist for her church. At around the same time, Madelyn wrote her first song. Influences from nature, family, faith, hope, love, and life time experiences led Madelyn to start writing. “I hope to have my music playing in the background at backyard BBQ’s and at honkytonks, at weddings and parties… and hope my music and songs are able to show people the love of Jesus Christ.”
In 2006, Madelyn undertook training with Barbizon School of Talent in Dallas to perfect her showmanship and presentation. She was then selected by DMG Management of Dallas to attend the Modeling Association of America International Competition and Convention in New York in 2007 held at the Waldorf Astoria where she dazzled the judges with her rendition of “Real Fine Place to Start” by Sara Evans. Madelyn out-sang all other competitors to win the vocal competition. Other categories she competed in included Soap Opera, TV Commercial, and Photo Posing receiving 2nd Runner Up and honorable mentions, respectively. To gain additional exposure that same year, Madelyn Victoria auditioned to perform with the Radio Disney Superstars of Dallas, was selected, and had the opportunity to be a part of the opening act for pop boy band sensation The Jonas Brothers. Soon after, Madelyn was trained to become an acting and vocal performance coach for Barbizon, showcases for iPOP, and for Studio 92 in Dallas, TX.
Without formal voice lessons, Madelyn Victoria relied heavily on the music programs offered at her high school to cultivate her voice. As a member and section leader of the San Benito High School Choir, Madelyn received Superior ratings for two consecutive years at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competition. She also competed in the FFA Talent Contest series winning District, Area, and qualified as a State finalist where she performed at the Texas FFA Convention at the Texas Tech Arena in Lubbock, Texas before an audience of 5,000. Her varied interest in music led her to study Mariachi for two years, where she further developed her voice and honed her skills playing guitar. She was recognized as All Region Mariachi Female Vocalist, 1st Chair during her senior year. Competing at the University of Texas Pan American Festiva de Artes vocal competition in Edinburg, TX in 2009, Madelyn Victoria received its most prestigious award, Vocal Champion, and was given the opportunity to open for the world renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. To diversify her singing repertoire, Madelyn briefly received opera vocal training and participated in Master Chorale and the Bravo Opera Company at the University of Texas Brownsville, in the fall of 2009. However, Madelyn Victoria’s true passion resides in country music. The array of styles within country music, the unique fan base, and grounded artists were most compelling and a natural fit for her own sound and aspirations. “Country music represents a lifestyle that I live, and want to live… words and music that help me with the ups and downs of this crazy life, and to rejoice and love the life our Lord gave us.”
Currently, Madelyn Victoria and her own band perform at local venues, honkytonks, bars, and events in south Texas. Names in Country music, including Nashville and Texas recording artists, that she has opened up for and shared the stage with have been Easton Corbin, Turnpike Troubadours, Tracy Lawrence, Kevin Fowler, Clay Walker, Josh Thompson, Dustin Lynch, Zac Brown Band, The Charlie Daniels Band, and more. Madelyn also sings the National Anthem at United League games, and at local high school sporting events, political rallies, patriotic ceremonies, rodeos, and stock shows, including the 2009 Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo in Los Fresnos, Texas where Madelyn Victoria was crowned the inaugural Rodeo Queen. This was one of many crowns she has earned including Cameron County Cowgirl, being her high school’s homecoming queen, Miss Texas Homecoming Queen, and 2nd Runner Up for Americas Homecoming Queen. In December of 2012, Madelyn performed in Las Vegas (Planet Hollywood and at the NFR Rodeo) as the Shania Twain Sing-Off Contest Winner. Madelyn Victoria plays the guitar, writes the lyrics & melody to all her songs, and collaborates with her brother and other musicians to write the accompanying music. Madelyn not only has a passion for singing and songwriting, but for helping others and donating her time to the community.