The Eagle Eye

Issue date: 11/16/05 Section: Features

The hopes and dreams of Kenny Scharlatt may have been put on hold, at least for one season of "Nashville Star". The junior spent Saturday in Pittsburgh trying out for the show, the country music equivalent of "American Idol". After singing 30 seconds a cappella of 'Calling Baton Rouge' a popular song by a hero of Scharlatt's, Garth Brooks, Scharlatt got the disappointing news that Saturday, unfortunately, would be the end of his tryouts during the weekend. He will have to wait until next year to become a "star." A disappointed Scharlatt called the experience "absolutely phenomenal." "There had to be at least 1500 people trying out. I was number 20, so I was pretty early in the process. I liked how they did the auditions in front of the other contestants and supporters, but I did not like the fact that the judges did not critique you at all." Scharlatt added that he was impressed with all of the undiscovered talent that he encountered at the auditions. "Some of the people I met there and became friends with were absolutely amazing," said Scharlatt. Scharlatt still has a chance to become a contestant on the show. "'Nashville Star' is also conducting video auditions for people who didn't make the callback or for people who couldn't make it to any of the cities for an open call," said an excited Scharlatt. "The video is ten minutes long and will include me singing two songs for a total of five minutes and a five minute biography." Scharlatt added that he is planning to send the tape in before Thanksgiving break. Scharlatt still has reason to smile even if the video audition does not work out in his favor. He has been singing seriously since January, but the students at Lock Haven University have his back and are rooting for his every move. Last Monday a concert was held to celebrate Scharlatt's talent and he was impressed with the turnout. "I was surprised with how many people came out and supported me," said the Sports Administration major. "I have the backing of Lock Haven pretty good and I'm going to run away with that. I know I have the support so I'm just going to keep going with it" Scharlatt even has a group on the popular student website, Facebook. The group, entitled "Kenny Scharlatt- The Next Nashville Star", has 258 members and has been organized for a little over a month. "My parents were here for the concert on Monday and showered me with an incredible amount of support," said Scharlatt about his biggest supporters who drove from Marshalls Creek to cheer for their son. "They even brought up some of our neighbors with them." Scharlatt grew up in Long Island and did not listen to country music until his freshman year at Lock Haven. "My roommate my first semester was big into country music and he kind of got me hooked," said Scharlatt. "Since then, I've just been going with it." "There are a couple (of) artists I admire," said Scharlatt sporting a black cowboy hat that has become synonymous with country music. "Garth [Brooks] has a big influence on me. Since my name is Kenny, I have to cheer for Kenny Chesney. And you have to add some Toby Keith and Tim McGraw in the mix." "Live Like You Were Dying" and the live version of "Friends in Low Places" are Scharlatt's two favorite songs, sung by McGraw and Brooks, respectively. Scharlatt watched "Nashville Star" last year during its third season and that was when he realized that he wanted to get a shot at singing competitively. "I know it's going to be strict competition," said Scharlatt a few days before the audition. "I'm going in for the experience. I want to be able to say I've tried out for something this big." Scharlatt added that although everyone thought he should be nervous heading into the tryouts he was surprisingly calm. Even though Scharlatt may not be crowned the "Nashville Star" this season there is always hope for the upcoming years. Until then, Lock Haven has its own "Star."

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