Miss America 2013

So my job can be pretty fun at times.

There's never a dull moment; no typical 9-5 for me.

Which I love.

Two months ago I got an email from Miss Kansas asking if I'd be willing to help prepare her talent for the Miss America pageant in September.

She said she was singing "Nessun Dorma."

Many of you will not understand the significance of that choice, but for classical musicians, it's a bit blasphemous.

I agreed to meet with her, expecting a musically painful experience.

We met and I learned that she is a hunter and originally wanted to do archery for her talent.

Apparently it was too much of a liability and singing is Plan B.

Well, to my surprise and delight, Miss Kansas can sing!

Hallelujah!

I've been working with Theresa for about 2 months now and she has changed my preconceived ideas about what pageant girls are like.

She is the 6th of nine children, raised in a military family.

Theresa is in the army and goes to Kansas State University majoring in either chemistry and Chinese.

She wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a dentist.

She's very layered.

And smart.

I'd be surprised if she isn't in the top 5.

At her lesson last week, Theresa told me that 20/20 picks three contestants every year and does a special on them.

This year, she is one of the girls they chose to do a story on and wanted to film her last voice lesson.

So today, a lovely camera woman from NYC came to our session and there's a slight possibility that my face and vocal coaching will be seen on national television an hour before the pageant airs.

Seriously, how cool is my life sometimes?!

I really like Theresa.

I was able to give her some good tools and technical basics and I really think she is going to do well in New Jersey.

This year, the top 14 are decided by the judges, but the 15th slot will be picked by America.

If you want to vote for Theresa, you can watch her video and vote here.

This experience has taught me that being willing to do something that seems a bit unorthodox or outside my wheel house can lead to some pretty cool experiences.

So, here's to Miss America 2014, hopefully her name is Theresa Vail!