Shelby Thatcher has a long history of participation in competitions and pageants. As a young child, she started learning to sing, and to play piano and flute. As a teen, her parents insisted that she change directions and focus on athletics. She ended up receiving a college scholarship in track, but still longed for the creative outlet she found in music. In spite of self-doubt, Thatcher decided to make another change.
“I decided it was not too late, and as an adult, started taking lessons,” said Thatcher. “I watched and learned as an adult and have been involved in many musical venues because of it. It is just proof that it is never too late to do what you love and we should never allow others to tell us we can’t achieve something. We just have to be patient and wait for the right timing, and then have enough heart and commitment to achieve it, remembering that there is always a lesson to be learned through the journey. Win or learn!”
Judging Swift Idol is a complete pleasure for Thatcher. “I love watching the contestants connect with their music so up close and personally. I get to know a lot about that person in three minutes of their song. Watching the contestants lets me see into their hearts. I can feel their struggles and it helps me connect with them as a people. Connection with people is so important – even if I never see them again. In that moment, knowing that another person has felt the same thing I have felt or letting someone else know I understand their heart, is such a huge blessing! I can feel compassion for what they are going through and I send my love to them through my comments.”
Thatcher’s greatest strength in performing is an emotional connection. “I am able to connect with the music. Where I may have to hold back in everyday life, the stage gives me a place to let it all out! When I feel a deep seeded passion about the message in a song, there is no stopping the feelings inside me! The connection I can make with beautiful music makes my soul dance!”
Thatcher feels that having Alex Boye’ as a fellow Swift Idol judge is exciting, but could be intimidating for the contestants! “They are going to have to be SO confident and bring their top game! The contestants will have to really connect and perform their song – not just get up and sing.”
“My advice to the 2019 contestants is to remember to be themselves,” Thatcher said. “The judges are looking for authenticity and talent. The audience will be able to see and feel authenticity, and that is what makes people connect with you and give you their vote. Be confident in your strengths and talents. Don’t try to be someone else. Just be you! Be vulnerable, and at the end of the night, no matter what, be grateful for the gift you still have to spread love and good messages in this world!”
“Nothing is worse than regret,” Thatcher reminds current and prospective contestants. “If you think you have what it takes, go for it! Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you never take! So, take this one! Getting on a stage like this can give a person confidence that they can do hard things and that empowerment rolls over into other aspects in life. When you get a ‘crazy’ idea, it is a Higher Power pushing you to learn and grow. Do it! There is usually a purpose far greater than you can see. Keep your eyes open to learn from all those around you along the way. You can learn from ANYONE – either what you want to be or don’t want to be! Don’t compromise yourself along the way, but be open for good, positive change.”
Remember that competition is about the journey, not the outcome,” Thatcher advised performers. “Enjoy and be grateful for your talents and opportunities and use them to uplift others. Our talents uplift us more when we use them to uplift others. We always learn more from our failures than our successes. So, when you think you have lost, just ask yourself what you learned, and you’ll find that you never really lost anything. You gained knowledge and that is invaluable.”
“I have seen and believe in the power of music,” said Thatcher. “The positivity that good music brings to a person is almost unbeatable. Music influences moods, thus decisions, thus life courses! It is so powerful and should be chosen so wisely. The voices and feelings we allow in our heads and hearts by the music we choose literally changes lives! When all else fails, music can reach and give hope to the saddest soul!”
Tickets for Swift Idol are available at LincolnCountyFair.info or at the gate. The event will also be broadcast live by SVI Media at SVInews.com. Gates open at 6:00 with the event beginning at 7:00. Visit SwiftIdol.com for more details.
