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“Ever since I was 6 years old, I’ve said that I wanted to sing for the world. Four and a half years later, I was able to sing on Netflix’s ‘Star Search’,” said young Dublin singer Madison Manlapaz, known by her stage name Madison Lauren.
Eleven-year-old Madison Lauren won the live competition’s Juniors Music category this winter to earn a spot in the overall finals. She rose to the top of her division with viewers’ real-time voting as well as support from judges such as Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen.
The young performer was ultimately voted off during the finale, just short of winning the $500,000 prize claimed by magician TJ Salta on Feb. 17. But walking away from the contest, Madison Lauren said she is grateful for her supporters and the opportunity to compete.
“None of this would have been possible without God’s grace and the people who believed in me from the very beginning,” she told the Pleasanton Weekly in an email interview.
She began singing when she was about 1-1/2 or 2 years old. She is also a songwriter and ventriloquist who plays piano, guitar and ukulele.
“I think music has always been part of me,” she said. “I don’t even remember a time when I didn’t love singing.”
Through the competition, Madison Lauren realized her ability to perform under intense pressure. Despite feeling nervous, she took to the stage and did her best, she explained.
Upon leaving the show, as the number of competitors dwindled from eight to four, she said she was worried about disappointing her supporters.
“But I learned that love isn’t based on winning,” she said. “Everyone was still proud of me and that helped me understand that growing and learning is more important than a title.”
Among those to applaud Madison Lauren’s work was Tara Brown, her principal at Brave Christian Elementary.
“Watching her compete in the Netflix ‘Star Search’ finale, we were all so proud — not just of her talent, but of her poise, her confidence and the joy she spread through her voice for the world to hear,” Brown told the Weekly.
Since returning home to Dublin, Madison Lauren said she misses the rehearsals, stage, staff and other performers on the set of “Star Search”.
However, she said she maintains her gratitude and focus as she gears up to perform in “Matilda The Musical JR.” from March 5-7 at the Brave Church auditorium in Dublin.
“My goal is still the same — to share my voice and my heart with people everywhere. I want people to feel encouraged, hopeful, and maybe even a little braver when they hear me sing,” she added.
A youth dance team from Xtreme Force Dance Company of Livermore also competed in “Star Search”.
With eight members ranging in age from 9 to 14 years old, the team dubbed The Force performed acrobatic-inspired dance.
“That was the biggest thing we’ve ever done,” Xtreme Force Dance Company co-owner Ashley Firestone told the Weekly. “We were insanely proud of the kids and all their work.”
It was impressive that the dancers performed through the pressure of being on live TV, Firestone added.
Competitor Victoria Nichols, 13, said she felt proud of her team’s effort.
“You could see everyone in the audience and you just have to pretend that no one’s filming you and you’re performing it like how you did in practice,” 14-year old competitor Calisa Schwarer told the Weekly.
Reflecting on the competition, 13-year-old dancer Annabella Maugeri said, “I’ve grown so much from this experience and it is really something that I’ll never forget.”
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