20 MOST INTERESTING
KIMBERLY PERCUOCO
46
mother was offered a record deal when she was eighteen, and her father worked at a karaoke bar—as well as artists such as Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Whitney Houston and Cassidee Pope, a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Kim and Cassidee worked together at Radio Disney in middle school with Kim regularly opening up for Cassidee’s band. Outside of singing, Kim is very involved with her sorority Phi Mu, likes going to the gym, and really enjoys working at Hollister Co., where she’s worked for five years. At this stage of the game, Kim is looking to the future. She’s currently an English, Pre-Law major, but is determined to take a shot at her dreams before anything else. After graduation she’s planning on moving to Nashville and meeting with some friends of the family. “It’s a shot in the dark to be perfectly honest, but a shot’s a shot and the fact that they already even are considering just talking to me is an honor itself. So I’m going to move there, and do what everyone does in Nashville, pursue music.” More immediately, Kim recently won Splitz Bowling Alley’s Karaoke Contest. Kim is aware of the challenges that may stand between her and her aspirations, but says her favorite part of singing isn’t what stage she’s on, or if she’s on a stage at all. “I like the moment when you’re singing and you forget that you’re in the place that you’re in,” she says. “That’s my favorite part about singing and that’s why I do it.” —Aliza Bresnick
Kites were used in the Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers. www.insitegainesville.com January 2013
Wesley Rodriguez
It was pitch black as she stepped onstage to sing the national anthem at Gator Growl 2012. She couldn’t see anything or anyone, just flashing cameras. Kimberly Percuoco, 22, knew that was going to be “the most amazing moment I’ve ever experienced in my life.” Singing the national anthem before a crowd wasn’t new for Kim, having done it for seven years at Roger Dean Stadium in her hometown, Jupiter. However, she says auditioning for Gator Growl was still very nerve-racking. “I’ve done so many auditions, I can’t even begin to count, and so many national anthem auditions, and been rejected.” But Kim has always used temporary disappointment as an impetus to improve. Her persistence paid off when she made it into the top two at Talent Night, won first place and was bestowed with the honor of performing at Gator Growl. Singing has been Kim’s passion since age three, immersing herself as much as possible. Aside from joining chorus, Kim explains, “I would sing in the car; I would sing in my room. I didn’t have lessons or anything—I just really liked to sing.” Kim also taught herself how to play guitar about four years ago. She laughs, “I’m not fantastic but I manage.” She holds an appreciation for eclectic music. Some of her favorite songs to sing are “The Sky is Crying” by Etta James and “Benny and the Jets” by Elton John. Kim draws inspiration from her parents, who had musical backgrounds of their own—her