Last modified Wed., March 05, 2008 - 04:35 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 6, 2008

NAS Jax holds successful Nashville Star casting call

By MWR staff

The NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department hosted a Nashville Star All-Military Casting Call Feb. 27 at The Zone complex. Twenty-six Sailors and family members participated in the event for the chance to appear on the national television show, Nashville Star.

Judges included Eden Kendall from the Gator Country Radio morning show, Michele Chase from the Gator Country Radio mid-day show and Disc Jockey Joe Buck from Maverick's , country bar located at The Jacksonville Landing.

The participants had three minutes to impress the judges by singing acapella or with an acoustic instrument. The participants were then scored based on singing ability, performance and star factor.

Participants had to sing a pre-approved song from a list provided by Nashville Star. The group was narrowed down to the top 10 and then to the top three with two alternates.

The top three winners from NAS Jacksonville are: MU2 Mallory McKendry of Navy Band Southeast, AMAN Jessica of Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11, and Jessica Doran, a Navy spouse. The alternates are HN Mandy Johnson of Navy Medicine Support Command and Rayal Kelly, a Navy spouse.

NAS Jacksonville will be submitting a professional audition session from each of the top three to Commander, Navy Installation Command (CNIC).

CNIC will then select 10 contestants from all military bases that held local casting calls to go on to the next round in Norfolk, Va. April 11-12. The winner's audition package from the All-Military Casting Call will be submitted by the Navy for consideration for the Nashville Star Television Show.

A special thank you goes to Renda Broadcasting Gator Country 99.9 and all who participated and supported the Nashville Star All-Military Casting Call.