Renee Young, an Anderson graduate and journalism student at the University of Maryland, provides the Valley Post with ongoing updates of her friend's progress in Operation Rising Star.
Judges have have named Anderson High alumna Jamie Horner-Jarman as the third-place overall finalist in the U.S. military's Operation Rising Star, a vocal talent show similar to "American Idol."
Jarman said she was "really thankful" for all the votes she received and especially for all the supportive comments left for her on the Operation Rising Star Web page. Audience members both online and in-person were able to cast their vote for their favorite performer by logging onto www.OpRisingStar.com. Voting remained open for two hours following each live broadcast. To see Jarman's performances, go online to www.pentagonchannel.com and follow the link to "Operation Rising Star.
Jarman competed in the final round against Lisa Pratt of Fort Carson, Colo., who eventually took first place, and U.S. Army Captain Donald Williamson, a chaplain stationed in Bamburg, Germany. Williamson was named second place finisher in the final round. Pratt, the wife of a serviceman, won a free, three-day recording session in Los Angeles, show producers announced Saturday, Nov. 21.
Anderson High alumna Jamie Horner-Jarman, 22, qualified last weekend to compete among the top six finalists in the military American Idol style singing competition, Operation Rising Star. Over 58,000 votes were cast on Sunday, Nov. 15, for the 12 semi-finalist contestants after the first broadcast.
Jarman found out she made the top six by being greeted by Debra Byrd, a vocal coach and arranger for American Idol. Each of the contestants learned their fate upon entering a reveal room: If they saw Byrd, they advanced to the next round - if not, they were greeted by the shows producer.
A packed audience cheered and clapped as Jarman and the other eleven finalists on Operation Rising Star, a military American Idol style singing competition, kicked off its first broadcast taping on Saturday, November 14 at the Wallace Theatre at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
Before the show started, the three judges greeted the zealous crowd to get them pumped up for the first show in the competition.
One judge, Retired 12th Sergeant Major of the Army Jack Tilley challenged a member of the crowd to a one hand push up contest. Jarman's older brother Matt gladly obliged.
In front of the cheering crowd Matt pushed up on one hand an impressive 15 reps. The Sergeant Major, 60, yawned as he completed 17 one-handed push ups before the producers asked him to take his seat. The show was about to begin.
Red, white and blue lights adorned the stage as the twelve contestants lined the stairs.
Before the show, Jarman spoke about how she was feeling headed into first night of competition.
"I am feeling calm and very excited," Jarman said. "I didn't realize singing for T.V. was so much work. It is a completely different type of production than a high school talent show. I have been rehearsing non-stop for a week."
The night started out with the first 6 contestants singing a group number to Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A." Jarman walked confidently across the stage with a smile on her face as she belted out the notes to the pop song.
"She looks great and sounds awesome. I am just so happy she has made it this far. I hope she has fun and let the cards fall where they may," Jarman's brother Matt said after the first number.
Jarman's father Richard Horner and her brother Matt were able to fly in the to be in the crowd for the first night of competition.
"I was at the hotel last night playing the guitar for some of the other contestants. It was a great time. Everyone seemed very anxious to perform. I am so proud of her," her father said.
She expressed her fears of the stairs before going on stage.
"I am just so worried that I am going to fall down the stairs," said Jarman.
Jarman didn't fall and sailed through her song with grace and an ease that only a natural singer can deliver.
Dressed in a casual glittery top and jeans, Jarman sang Shinedown's version of "Simple Man."
The judges were impressed with her soulful rendition and praised her for taking the risk of singing a male song.
"You're right on it. I believed you. You have a soulful voice and your pitch was perfect," Country music star and judge Michael Peterson said.
"You had great eye contact with the audience. Great job," said Sergeant Major Tilley.
The judge's critique that Jarman anticipated the most was that of Debra Byrd, who coached the voices of American Idol sensations Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Daughtry.
"Meeting Debra Byrd was a really exciting moment because I have seen her on American Idol with some of my favorite singers!" said Jarman.
Byrd had some constructive wisdom for Jarman.
"Wonderful choice for your song. You had a rocky start. You know it. You had an amazing comeback. You were dead on after that. I love your commitment. I applaud you for choosing a male song and making it work for you. Amazing," said Byrd.
After the show was over the audience hovered over the stage for a chance to meet the contestants. Jamie mingled hugging and taking pictures with audience members.
Jarman's family looked on with pride as Jarman posed on stage for photos.
"She is a really great singer and I liked her performance," said audience member A1C Sean Levy.
"I thought she did really well. If she was nervous I couldn't tell. She sang beautifully," said Richard Horner.
Jamie had a critique for herself and was optimistic that she would advance to the second round.
"I think my nerves started to get to me once I was on stage. I sang from my heart, and I am happy with my performance. I was happy to hear what the judges had to say, and I am glad that the viewers enjoyed it and voted me through to the next round."
Jarman also wanted to give a shout out to everyone in California that voted for her.
"I saw on Facebook and received emails all day from people wishing me luck and asking everyone to vote for me. I really appreciate everyone back home for voting for me," said Jarman.
While Jarman on Tuesday competed to be among the top three contestants, results will be online Thursday.
Jarman's fans in Shasta County may follow the competition live at 5 p.m. PST on Nov. 19 by logging on to www.pentagonchannel.mil/ and navigating to Operation Rising Star.
Winners of each round will advance based on a weighted score that takes 50 percent of the votes from the web-viewing and/or broadcast audience and 50 percent of the combined scores from three judges.
Audience members both online and in-person will be able to cast their vote by logging onto www.OpRisingStar.com is open for two hours after each show. Readers should also check the Valley Post Web site at www.andersonvalleypost.com for updates on the competition.
Editor George L. Winship and Reporter Michael Woodward each contributed to this article.
Scripps Interactive Newspaper Group
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