Elk Grove teen finalist is 'Windy City Live' contest
An Elk Grove High School singer has made the finals of the Windy City Live Search for a Star competition.
Taylor Matos, 14, who auditioned with more than 300 others last month, was named Friday morning as the third finalist in the competition sponsored by the ABC 7 morning show.
"It's been one of the best experiences of my life," she said Thursday. "It's so fun with the live audience and then you go home and see it on TV and it's almost surreal."
The three finalists will sing a final song Thursday, Feb. 21 before the competition opens to the public for another round of online voting. The winner will be named live on the show Feb. 22.
Taylor said Thursday she is thinking of singing "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys as her last song.
Taylor said she has been singing since she learned to talk, and while she's had a few lessons, her voice just comes naturally.
On Thursday morning, Taylor sang Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" in the semifinal round.
Taylor sings the national anthem for Elk Grove High School sporting events, spends time with her supportive family and friends and is looking forward to starting driver's ed in August.
Driver's ed could take on added urgency if Taylor wins the competition. As one of the sponsors of the contest, Mazda will give the winner a 2014 Mazda 6 GT.
The other finalists are Glen Kimble of Gary, Ind. and Adam LeBlanc from Chicago.
Windy City Live airs on ABC 7 weekdays at 9 a.m.