Published: June 23, 2008 11:53 am      

Rising Star

OLDTOWN - When she first entered Nashville's Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition, Sadie Diehl, 13, of Oldtown, didn't realize that she was going to be one of the best.

"We just thought it was great, someone going down raw," said Sharon Diehl, her mother.

Sadie competed in the competition that was part of the 2008 CMA Music Festival from June 5 through 7 and received second runner-up in her age group. This was Sadie's first time competing, but she had previously performed at Oldtown Summerfest, for the Scottish Rites and other community events.

The Rising Star competition consists of 250 applicants that are chosen on a first come, first served basis. Out of the 250 entertainers, seven first-place winners are chosen and five overall top five performers. Although she is not sure exactly how many, Sadie beat out at least four other people to become the second runner-up. The Diehls found the competition "awesome," but despite that, Sharon said Sadie didn't get nervous.

Sadie, who recently finished eighth grade at Washington Middle School, sang Lee Greenwood's song, "God Bless the USA."

"I cried (when she sang), so did Daddy," said Sharon, "We didn't care if she brought anything home."

Sadie was accompanied by her mom, her dad, John, and her older sister, Briana. Since Sadie was 7 years old, she has been performing, something she inherited from her mother and aunts who also sing. Sadie has plans to return to the competition next year to compete in the 14-year-old age group.

"She just started singing. She was 2 years old and she's been singing ever since. She is a natural," said Sharon.

The competition was held at the McDonald's-Dr. Pepper Family Zone pavilion in downtown Nashville. Sadie received a trophy and a medal for her second runner-up placement. Each participant received an adjudication form, taped comments and ratings from the judges. Trophies were presented to the top five soloists in each age group.

The Diehl family admits the venture turned out to be pricier than they expected. In order to pay for some of the expense of going, Sadie's family held fundraisers and received help from family members. Other organizations and individuals also contributed and the family thanks all who helped.

CMA's festival also was host to many other events and concerts, including Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers and Montgomery Gentry. Music City Rising Star Champion was Jernie Talles of Florida. She received two tickets to the CMA Music Awards and a host of other prizes.