Young performers hope to win accolades in fair talent show

Adorned in sparkly purple eyeliner, a pearl necklace and silver rings, 14-year-old singer Amanda Coppotelli is certainly not a wall flower. With a larger than life attitude, this Downers Grove singer knows what she wants: to make it big.

"I love being on stage. I don't get nervous; I get excited," she said.

But that's not to say her journey to superstardom is setting out on a smooth road. Though she won Downers Grove Idol in 2009, she didn't make the cut at her middle school's variety show nor did she make it past the preliminary rounds of the DuPage County Fair talent contest two years ago.

But after countless hours of practicing and vocal lessons, Coppotelli is ready to prove to the DuPage County Fair judges she has a gift. With her soothing voice, she surely will be a tough competitor at the DuPage County Fair Talent show at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the fair's Entertainment Tent.

Joining Coppotelli will be 15 other acts including dancers, acrobats, magicians and musicians.

The preliminary round was July 11, when 24 people competed for the 16 coveted spots, said Dottie Hemrick, talent show coordinator. Contestants were divided into two categories: 14 years old and younger and 15 to 21 years old.

Three pairs of fresh eyes and ears will critique the acts at the fair. Judges from the preliminary round are not used because they may remember older performances when scoring the contestants in the final round. Performers will be judged on ability (50 percent of score), stage presence (30 percent), costume choice (10 percent) and audience appeal (10 percent).

"I was very impressed with the kids we had last year. I wouldn't want to be the judge," Hemrick said.

In the older division, opera singer Hansini Krishna will give the other contestants a run for their money. She will sing "Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella," which is a song about a couple who has fallen in love and has the blessing of their parents.

She began her opera career in fifth grade, when her music teacher told her she had a beautiful voice and suggested she take lessons. Krishna was fascinated with idea of singing in another language and enjoyed the romantic messages conveyed in the songs.

To prepare for the contest, she met with her vocal teacher to learn the pronunciation of the words. She then practiced for hours in her basement in Roselle, making sure she was able to hit the notes effortlessly.

Krishna has entered the contest four times but has not brought home the title. This year, she hopes to change that and also touch those listening to her preform.

"It's my way of telling people my message and inspiring people to do what I do," she said. "I hope people hear me and want to be inspired to do their own talent."

For information, visit dupagecountyfair.org/Talent Show.php.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What: </b>DuPage County Fair Talent Contest</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Entertainment Tent at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton</p>

<p class="News"><b>Cost: </b>Free</p>

<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://dupagecountyfair.org/Talent_Show.php" target="new">dupagecountyfair.org/Talent_Show.php</a></p>