Achievers

In January 2008 Meagan Orr, 13, of Palestine, auditioned and was accepted out of thousands of entrants to perform and compete at the USA (Unsigned Artist) World Showcase in Las Vegas. She performed in front of a live audience in Las Vegas on May 24 at the Las Vegas Hilton, home of Barry Manilow and highest record performance hotel for Elvis Presley. She sang “Rock Star,” previously recorded by Hannah Montana.

This was the largest audience for which Meagan ever performed.

The competition was judged by some well-known names, including Billy Hinche — 21 years with the Beach Boys; Paul Allen III — Two No. 1 hit songs, former lead singer with the Platters; Marlene Ricci — RCA recording Artist, local star in Las Vegas; John Wooler — Grammy award winner, vice president of Novatunes; Jim Vilandre — 2003 USA World Showcase winner, now has produced five albums; Daniel Mahan — owner of Envy Model and Talent in Los Angeles.

Her mother, Tammy, said Meagan was particularly excited to meet Hinche and Allen, who also co-starred in “Ms. Congeniality” and “Anger Management.” She got pictures with both the stars at the after party provided by the USA Showcase.

The competition rules are similar to those of American Idol. First she performed in front a panel of judges and now the peoples’ choice votes keep her in the competition. The

first show will be broadcasted via internet at usatvbroadcast.com. Meagan was just voted top contestant in the last show, broadcasted July 6-9.

A second show broadcast July 13-16, and Megan did not receive enough votes to continue on to the next show. Much like American Idol, Meagan must have enough votes each week to stay in the competition.

“She is an aspiring actor/singer with great potential,” Mrs. Orr said. “As her mom, I think of her as my little girl with big dreams. She dreams of someday working with Disney. I’m confident you will see a lot more of her in the future.”

Meagan attends eighth grade at Westwood Junior High in Palestine and is a student at Psalmist School of Music in Tyler. She takes vocal instruction from Ms. Rebecca Baker at Psalmist School of Music, where she has been studying for almost a year.

Meagan is a member of Texas Kids, a division of American Kids Inc. Texas Kids is a nonprofit organization for young entertainers.

In addition to her performing at local events, Meagan is an honor student at Westwood Junior High (drama being her favorite subject), where she also cheerleads.

She will be performing in Palestine Community Theater upcoming production of Oliver in late July and early August.

In May 2008 Meagan also auditioned in St. Louis MS for talent scouts and was accepted to perform in Los Angeles at the Kodak Theater on Aug. 10 with Hollywood’s Best New Talent.

Meagan was offered representation by The Elite Talent Agency in Dallas. She is currently in contract negotiations with the agency for representation pertaining to commercials, printed media, radio, motion pictures and television.

Meagan Orr
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