INVERMAY- Sometimes it helps to get a little push from a friend.
A friend of Bethany Ogden’s knew she had been spending long hours honing her craft as a singer, and suggested the Grade 11 student from Invermay should respond to the online notice for performers to audition for TeleMiracle 48, which is coming up on Feb. 24 and 25.
“Saskatoon was all booked up so I thought I was too late,” recalled Ogden. “But Regina had a spot, so I auditioned.”
Her audition took place in Regina where she was onstage by herself, singing for a panel of five judges
The 17-year-old student was informed that she had been chosen to perform at TeleMiracle 48 by email, and said in that moment she felt an exhilarating mix of emotions.
“I was very excited, and kind of nervous, too, I’m going to be on TV!”
Born and raised in Invermay, Ogden’s father Mark recalled that she began to show an interest in singing around the age of seven or eight, but she said she only got serious about singing approximately six months ago.
“I decided to really work on my voice, also do vocal exercises, and my voice got better. I really love singing, which helps. I enjoy all of it; the feeling of singing, I love hitting a note just right, I enjoy interacting with the audience, and I even like getting the jitters before a performance.”
She said support from her friends has been much appreciated, including comments such as “I knew you could do it, I’m not surprised.”
Her father said he’s quite proud or Bethany’s recognition from TeleMiracle.
“She’s worked really hard, sings every night with the intent of proving herself. She’s always had a talent for singing, being chosen is a prestigious accomplishment. She’s following her dream and going after it, I like that.”
Bethany shared that she spends at least an hour per day working at getting even better, mostly by herself.
For her TeleMiracle performance, which is scheduled to be recorded on Feb. 13 in Saskatoon, she will be singing All I Ask¸ by Adele.
As part of getting involved with TeleMiracle, the talented young singer is looking forward to helping with fundraising.
“Yes, I plan to make a bunch of cookies, go door-to-door selling them in Invermay and other area communities."
So far, Bethany’s singing experience includes lending her voice to dramatic productions put on by her home church, Wadena Baptist Church, but she is looking forward to other performing opportunities.
Even though she’s only in Grade 11, Ogden knows what she wants to do after high school.
“Focus on becoming a professional singer, move to Calgary and find opportunities there to further my career.”
Ogden is one of 75 performers from across Saskatchewan who have been chosen to perform at TeleMiracle 48, according to a release.
The entire 20-hour telethon can be seen on the CTV Saskatchewan network, starting at 9 p.m. on Feb. 24, and concluding at 5 p.m. on Feb. 25. The entire show will also be live streamed at www.telemiracle.com beginning with “Countdown to TeleMiracle” on Feb. 24 at 6:15 p.m.
“TeleMiracle is rooted in Saskatchewan, and nothing shows that more than our incredible Saskatchewan Talent,” said TeleMiracle 48 Chair Tyler Hall of Mortlach. “Not only do these individuals and groups showcase their talents and passion for TeleMiracle, but they also raise money to support the cause.”
Once again, these fundraising efforts will receive a boost from Nutrien, which has agreed to match all donations raised by Saskatchewan Talent up to $100,000.
Hall encourages Saskatchewan residents to support Saskatchewan Talent fundraisers in their local communities.
“Donating to a Saskatchewan Talent fundraiser is just another way to support TeleMiracle,” states Hall. “Your TeleMiracle donations stay right here in Saskatchewan, helping your neighbours, friends, and your community every day.”
