CHESTERFIELD — Carrie Brockwell, a sophomore at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, auditioned for American Idol. Will the fifteen-year-old get a platinum ticket?
This year, to celebrate their twentieth season, the judges replaced the traditional gold tickets with platinum, the modern 20th anniversary gift.
On Valentine’s Day, I had the pleasure of seeing Brockwell play The Reserve at The Highlands. She sang beautifully while playing the piano. Her ruby red heels shimmered as she pressed the pedals. Since I arrived towards the end of her set, I missed seeing her playing acoustic guitar.
Brockwell’s proud parents listened with smiles on their faces. Diners cheered and placed money in his tip jar to show how much they appreciated his talent.
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“I think she’s going to win, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets a golden ticket,” Dinwiddie’s John Bogue said. “She’s so adorable too.”
“His performance was magnificent. We enjoyed it,” said Dinwiddie’s Harrison Moody. “She looks like the real deal.”
“My son and daughter, and Carrie have been on the same swim team for years,” said Matthew Reynolds of Chesterfield.
Reynolds’ 12-year-old son Holden is inspired by Brockwell. They have the same singing and piano teacher.
“They’re involved in the same bands, and we’ve had the pleasure of hearing him sing for years now,” Reynolds said.
“Musically, she’s a really good friend of mine,” Holden Reynolds said. “She inspires me to make my own music. I really hope she carries American Idol because then I’ll have a celebrity as a friend.”
A friend of the Brockwell family, Brian Felts of Chesterfield, said: “A little girl with a beautiful voice that has turned into a beautiful voice.”
Sal Buffa, co-owner of The Reserve, remembers Brockwell as a child getting up on stage to sing with her father Barry Brockwell and uncle Bruce Brockwell with the band Red Neck Pool Party.
“Barry was the one who encouraged me to buy a piano,” Buffa said. “Carrie and her comrades have recitals here.”
Brockwell’s ARGS and former classmates from Gates Elementary School and Matoaca Middle School will surely watch her perform on the big screen.
Carrie Brockwell loves family, friends
“Tune in February 27th to @abcnetwork to see what the judges, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry had to say,” Brockwell posted on Facebook @carriebrockwellmusic. “I love you guys so much! [heart emoji, heart emoji, heart emoji].”
“I still have that autograph. I knew what I was doing when I asked for it when you were about eight years old. It’s so awesome,” Stacy Brooks Chisholm commented.
“It’s great! Follow this dream and never give up because you have the talent to go far”, commented Richard Markins.
“My favorite show! Carrie, I’m so proud of you! It’s awesome! I can’t wait to watch,” commented Tina Eure Terry.
“Maybe you’ll get the platinum ticket I heard about and get some rest during Hollywood Week,” commented Patrick Deck.
“Damn cow Carrie! That’s awesome! Good luck,” Beverly Valerio commented.
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American Idol Season 20
Music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie help determine who America will ultimately vote for as the next singing sensation. Emmy-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest continues his tenure as host of the beloved competition series.
American Idol Season 20 airs this Sunday from 8-10 p.m. on ABC. For more information, visit abc.com.
To learn more about Brockwell, visit carriebrockwellmusic.com and follow her on Twitter @cbrockwellmusic, TikTok @carriebrockwellmusic and Instagram @carriebrockwellmusic.
On the back of his four-song EP titled “Impressions,” Brockwell thanked his family for always giving the best advice and never stopping being incredibly supportive every step of the way.
“I would like to thank my friends for their love and support throughout this journey and for never leaving me,” Brockwell said. “Most importantly, I would like to thank God for giving me this huge passion I have for music, for blessing me with a loving community, and for allowing me to do what I love every day. “
– Kristi K. Higgins, aka The Social Butterfly columnist, is the food news and Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Do you have a current tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (her, her) at [email protected], follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter, @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram and follow progress-index.com.
