Brittani Bridger wants to be a singer when she grows up. If she keeps opening for pop music sensations like JoJo, she’ll be on her way.
Bridger, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Clarkston Middle School, recently opened for JoJo as part of the Radio Disney 910 AM birthday concert at the Birch Run Expo Center after winning a talent contest last summer.
‘I knew who JoJo was, but it was just the opportunity to see her,? Bridger said. ‘It was really fun.?
Bridger responded to a small ad describing a singing contest in Rochester last summer. She won for her age group and then the overall contest.
With that victory she was chosen to represent Michigan in a national contest. She didn’t advance any further, but contest officials remembered her performance and suggested she sing for the Radio Disney show this summer.
Bridger was part of a group of young stars, ranging from solo performers to groups, that kept the young audience entertained in Birch Run. Hours and hours of practice helped Bridger perfect her songs.
‘I was nervous at first because this was the biggest thing I’ve done in my life,? Bridger said. ‘But then I wasn’t.?
Arriving early at the venue allowed Bridger to meet JoJo before the show.
‘She came right over and was really nice,? Bridger said.
Before the show got underway, Bridger had a chance to spend time with the other performers and talk.
‘We ate lunch with all of them and it was really cool,? Bridger said. ‘Usually you don’t get to be that personable with them.?
Bridger sang two songs by singer Stacie Orrico: ‘I Promise? and ‘Don’t Look at Me.? Bridger picked the songs because she felt they were different from anything else heard at the concert.
‘I just didn’t want to sound like a wannabe,? Bridger said.
After the show, Bridger was very impressed with the friendly treatment she received from JoJo.
‘She didn’t act like she was better than anyone else,? Bridger said. ‘She could have just stayed in her dressing room the whole time, but she didn’t.?
Having the chance to meet the pop singing sensation was a huge thrill for Bridger.
‘When JoJo came up to me, it was so nice. I mean, I’m a nobody from Michigan and she was so nice,? Bridger said. ‘There are people in Michigan who don’t even know where Clarkston is. She’s just so personable.?
Back at home, is an active singer at her church, Faith Baptist in Waterford. She receives a lot of advice from her mother, who is a singer as well.
‘My mom has helped me a lot,? Bridger said.
In the future, Bridger is planning for a career centered around singing and music.
‘I’ve always wanted to be a singer,? Bridger said. ‘It’s been my dream for a long time. I’m 13 now, so that’s 11 years.?