By Staff
TALENT WINNER- Heather Leigh Garrett is the 2004 Loretta Lynn Youth Talent winner. She is a 10th-grade student at Northeast Lauderdale High School. Submitted photo
By Penny Randall / staff writer
Oct. 12, 2003
When Heather Leigh Garrett of Meridian attends Loretta Lynn's concert Saturday, she won't be sitting in the audience. The 15-year-old singer will be onstage opening for the legendary country music star.
Garrett is the 2004 Loretta Lynn Youth Talent winner. She earned the title last month when she competed against dozens of young entertainers from across the United States at Lynn's home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Garrett won $250 and the chance to perform at Lynn's concert.
She is the daughter of Miriam Garrett and Jimmy Garrett, and the granddaughter of Sue Carney. She is a cheerleader, a model for the Liberty Shop and also the World Ideal Miss Pageant talent winner.
Garrett first performed in front of a crowd at age 4. That same year, she won the Jimmie Rodgers Youth Talent Contest with the song, "Hey Good Lookin'."
Miriam Garrett said she encourages her daughter to pursue her goal of being a professional singer.
Miriam said she first noticed her daughter's talent when she performed "Oh Holy Night" in a church Christmas production.
The young performer said she will continue pursuing her goal to become a professional singer.