I am so honored to have received this award! I was in the presence of many talented performers, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank my fellow contestants – Marty, Anthony, Gavin, Bri, and host Kelsey – who gave wonderful renditions of each of their songs. I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with Marty and Bri on previous occasions, and would love nothing more than to do so again in the future! They all have such bright futures! It was a joy getting to sing a duet, as well, with one of my dearest friends – the incomparable Bri Wilson.

I also want to think Anthony Lopez, who was kind enough to make the tracks for Bri and I for this performance! He is such a gifted, kind soul, and we can never thank him enough. Lastly, I want to thank anyone who has supported me thus far. My family (particularly my parents, who drove all the way down here from Bakersfield to see me), my friends, my colleagues – your love and guidance mean more to me than you’ll ever know.