Today, Madison McLaughlin is a kindergartner attending Daniel Axford Elementary and enjoying the life of an average 6-year-old.
But a talent scout’s interest in her vocal abilities could someday transform her into Madison McLaughlin, a famous singer with her own album and a legion of fans.
It all depends on how far her voice will take her and how far her parents want her to go right now.
‘I don’t really know how I feel about that yet because she is so young,? said her mother, Jennifer McLaughlin.
In the meantime, Madison’s preparing for a very big gig in Orlando, Florida this summer.
She and her golden voice will be competing at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort as part of the Onstage New York Grand Finale, a national talent competition set for June 28 through July 3.
‘She’ll be competing for (the title of) Miss Onstage New York,? Jennifer said.
Earlier this year, Madison, who loves Miley Cyrus (a.k.a Hannah Montana) and the Jonas Brothers, won the regional Onstage New York talent competition held at South Lyon High School.
Over the weekend, she won the regional Access Broadway talent competition held at the Marriott in Auburn Hills.
That victory earned her the right to go on to national competitions in Las Vegas and Connecticut in June and July.
However, Jennifer said Madison won’t be attending either of those competitions in light of the Orlando trip and the costs involved.
At both competitions, Madison sang ‘Animal Crackers in My Soup,? a song made famous when legendary child star Shirley Temple performed it in the 1935 film ‘Curly Top.?
‘Everybody at my mom’s work ? she works at (Oakland University) in the business office ? said, if you close your eyes, she actually sounds like Shirley Temple,? Jennifer noted.
Her performance at the Onstage New York competition is posted on YouTube. Just type in her name to view it.
‘She actually wanted to do Johnny Cash, but she wasn’t allowed to do Johnny Cash,? Jennifer noted. ‘It’s just not very age-appropriate for a 6-year-old.?
Hard to believe but Madison’s new-found singing career began last summer when she performed in a talent show at a family reunion for one of Jennifer’s friends.
‘She gets up there in front of 200 people she’s never met before and belts out Taylor Swift like nobody’s business,? Jennifer said.
After Madison’s impressive performance of the country-pop artist’s hit ‘Our Song,? some people at the reunion suggested Jennifer enter her daughter in local singing competitions.
‘I thought that they were joking,? she said. ‘She’s my kid. Everybody thinks their kid sounds good.?
Despite her initial reaction, Jennifer decided to develop her daughter’s talent and in September, arranged for her to begin private vocal lessons at BJ’s Songbirds Center in Davison. It was there that Madison caught the attention of a talent scout, which could lead to big things for the little lady.
‘They want her to make a demo record,? Jennifer said. ‘It’s crazy.?
But before they start planning her first concert tour or booking interviews on late night television, Madison’s parents are mulling things over.
‘Her dad and I want to check into it,? Jennifer said. ‘You really have to make sure you get somebody who’s experienced and not out there just to make a buck. Sometimes they just ruin kids and I want to make sure that doesn’t happen.?
Apparently, musical talent runs in Madison’s family because her great-grandfather on her father’s side was none other than Tennessee country music legend Fiddlin? Arthur Smith, who performed from the 1920s through 1960s.
Given her natural love of country music, maybe someday Madison will follow in her great-grandfather’s footsteps and perform at the Grand Ole Opry just like he did.
You never know.