|
American Idol may have said goodbye to Celena Rae on March 3, 2004, but Celena has not said goodbye to America. After a good run on the famous talent show, Celena has chosen to look at this amazing experience as a stepping stone and when asked what she’s going to do now she’ll tell you with confidence, “I’m going to make the biggest batch of lemonade out of these big ole lemons!”
Celena Rae, born October 8, 1975, is no stranger to hard work and determination. To hear her mother tell it, Celena was born to be a star. She says from day one Celena could walk into a room and own it. She began singing, as most children do, in school plays and musicals. At six years old, after receiving a standing ovation for her rendition of an Ella Fitzgerald song, her undeniable talent was revealed and it was then she began to perfect her craft.
At nineteen, Celena Rae began singing with Linder and Brock, a Dallas/Fort Worth based country/classic rock cover band. The experience proved to be invaluable.
“I toured the country and experienced a life that many never have the chance to see. I learned the business first hand and established relationships with truly amazing people and I was able to begin creating an outline for how I wanted my business to be run someday.”
Celena Rae’s first big break came at 23, when she was cast on Dick Clark’s version of Star Search, “Your Big Break.” Celena Rae was crowned the grand prize winner after her performance as Martina McBride singing A Broken Wing.
“They never expected a country singer to win the competition so they had to transfer my recording contract from Hollywood Records to Lyric Street Records in Nashville.”
Lyric Street Records ended up passing on Celena Rae, but she was not ready to pass on Nashville. Her second “big break” came shortly after when Dan Huff and his team decided to work with her on a production deal with his company Terecel Music.
“This was my moment. I was working with the best producers, one of the very best songwriters, the most seasoned and talented musicians in town, so how could it not turn out perfect? Then, the door shut just as fast as it had opened. I received a phone call one morning with the voice on the other end telling me that they didn’t think that I had what it took to make a hit record and that the relationship was over. I left Nashville that day broken hearted.”
Celena moved back home to Texas for some much needed soul searching and after a year her love of music was restored. She soon won the title of “Next Big Star” at Johnny High’s Country Music Review, a venue most notoriously know for launching the career of Leann Rimes.
With a restored love a music and hope, Celena sought the help of renowned vocal coach Linda Septien.
“Linda vocally pushed me harder than I had ever been pushed before. It wasn’t long before I was reaching notes I never knew existed. I knew, without a doubt, I was preparing for something huge.”
In the summer of 2004, Celena’s third “big break” reared it’s head. A close friend had just found out that the number one television show American Idol was raising the age limit from 25 to 28 and begged Celena to take a chance. Celena accepted the challenge and landed a spot in the top 24.
Celena Rae’s run on American Idol was short, only making it to the top 20, but the experience and exposure proved to be priceless.
“I have experienced success in the industry and I have been let down by the industry. If I have learned one thing over the last ten years it’s that this is first and foremost a business. And in any business, you can only succeed with hard work, perseverance and determination. The sky is the limit! The world is my oyster!”
|
