Rising Star a launch pad to musical success

By Trecia A. WilsonSeptember 27, 2010

Rising Star a launch pad to musical success
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - The Army launched another one of its own, Spc. Nicholas Davis, toward musical stardom with the Operation Rising Star competition at the Grafenwoehr Performing Arts Center, Sept. 10.

"ORS was originally created to divine Soldiers' musical talents and increase the applicant pool for the Army's Soldier Show productions," said Joline Powell, director of the Grafenwoehr Performing Arts Center. "But it has grown to include family members, too. The excitement of this competition is contagious."

Davis, a preventive dentistry specialist at U.S. Army Dental Clinic Grafenwoehr, wowed the crowds and won first place with a soulful, heartfelt version of Michael Buble's "Home," a song that resonates strongly with Soldiers and their families with its lyrics of loneliness while far from home and loved ones.

"I have some friends in Afghanistan right now and I do get to hear from them from time to time. The one thing I hear the most is that home is missed," said Davis of his song choice. "Then in my own life, how I miss being on my grandma's back porch, after a big meal, laughing and talking with my family."

"My memories and my friends that are spread out everywhere are the driving force behind singing 'Home,'" said the Hamlet, N.C., native. "It's a reminder that home is where the heart is."

Davis first discovered his talent at the tender age of 13 in a country bar when he sang "You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This," by Toby Keith, but hasn't done much public singing since.

"I've always wanted to sing on stage in front of people but never had the courage," said the young dental specialist. "So after hearing that a competition was coming up, I told myself that, after 22 years of being nervous, it was about time I used what my mom calls my 'gift.'"

"That and I had many friends that pretty much left me with no other options," Davis said with a grin.

The friends Davis speaks of are his DENTAC co-workers and fans who, not only encouraged him to compete, but also came to the competition and blew the proverbial lid off the building with applause and cheering before, during and after his performance.

Since half the performance score is based on audience vote, similar to American Idol, a person could conceivably have a lower score with the judges and still win, so audience participation and votes is half the contestant's battle.

Davis won the first place prize of $500 and is now in a larger pool which will be judged based on video footage taken during the local finals.

Judges will review the videos and 12 of the 33 local finalists will be chosen to compete in the 2010 Armywide finals. Military spouse Jesse Dye, won second place and Pfc. Kyle Woodward,57th Signal Company, 2-28 Infantry Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, took third.

Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, won the Spirit award ($300) for the most supportive unit or family readiness group.

The announcement of the 12 finalists is scheduled for Oct. 20 and the finals will air on AFN between Nov. 6-21.

For more, visit the ORS website at www.armymwr.com/recleisure/promotions/operation_rising_star.aspx.