Nancy Burridge----[/caption]Carol Forsloff — Years ago if a performer wanted to make it big on the stage or in film, he or she had to make a trip to Hollywood or New York and knock on many doors. This meant some talented people had to leave hearth and home, travel somewhere, and often work at a job with flexible hours in order to have the time and money to make the necessary contacts to have that one big chance. These days shows like The Voice provide performers this opportunity from the armchair of one's home. Nancy Burridge, one of the greatest singers in a community called Fandalism, hopes to be that person whose voice is selected for a great future in the music world.
Burridge, like other performers who vie for a chance to be seen and heard on The Voice, submitted her video to the show with two songs and an overview of her music background. This is in line with what others have done to be recognized on Americas Got Talent. Jackie Evancho, for example, was discovered on YouTube because many viewers had seen the young girl perform and the many thousands of views created enough of a sensation that the show's producers took notice. It is Burridge's hope that the same thing may occur with her performance on YouTube.
Fandalism is a music sharing site and also a community where people can present their music in a supportive place. Philip Kaplan, the developer and owner of the site, created the community in early 2012 with an eye to giving musicians that big chance. Burridge is just one of more than half a million individuals who are now members of the site.
America prides itself on giving people an opportunity to be successful, but in these days of economic travail it is much more difficult for musicians to have that big chance. Social media, however, can be of great value in catapulting a great performer to stardom. It is Burridge's hope to be one of those fortunate few who make it into the national spotlight.
The Voice is one of a number of television shows where America's talent can be seen and heard by millions. It is one of the dominant shows on the NBC network. To be selected, an applicant must submit a video for the judge's evaluation. Then the contestant goes through a number of rounds, while receiving coaching from the professionals associated with the show. This means performers have an opportunity, once chosen to perform live on television, to get professional advice and assistance they can use in their careers, even if they are not selected as a winner in the final round.
Today many people in the social media music community, Fandalism, have their hopes pinned on a performer from the community "family," a woman of a certain age of maturity, one of those mothers who put aside dreams of a great performing career to raise children. It is now time, Burridge says, to take that leap of faith. With her dazzling voice and shining personality, that leap may just land Burridge on national television to the delight of her Fandalism friends and others who have come to know this great performer as one who not only is a unique talent but who supports the music of others in a loving, giving way.
Those interested in watching Burridge's performance and offering their support can find her submission on YouTube at this site address:
http://youtu.be/4YPERCwgynk