Kristen Castillo
Meet
r e t s o F e i k Jac
From local musical theater to NBC’s “The Voice” If you’re a fan of NBC’s popular singing competition “The Voice”, then
you’re probably already familiar with Jackie Foster, the 22-year-old from Poway who was a finalist on Season 14. Her passionate vocals wowed TV viewers and celebrity coaches such as Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys. Here she provides inspiration and tips for kids involved in music and performing arts.
Early Start Foster calls music her one true passion. She got her start in local musical theater at age 5, joining the North County Inland branch of Christian Youth Theater (CYT), a performing arts training program for kids ages 4–18. At age 8 Foster started singing lessons. “I’m still taking voice lessons because there’s still room for me to grow,” she says. “I think I fell in love with the stage because of musical theater— because of CYT,” she says. “I learned how to be comfortable on a stage with lights—feeling the sense of what you’re doing is important. That really helped me overcome nerves and performance anxiety.” She credits her parents, who still live in the San Diego area, with being very supportive.
Auditioning In high school, Foster auditioned for “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice.” She always made it past the first few rounds of auditions but was ultimately turned down. “I thought ‘Oh my gosh, I’m not meant to be a singer,’” says the former Miss Teen Poway (2011) and Miss Poway (2013). “These are professionals— and they told me no.”
16 • SanDiegofamily.com • September 2018
FOSTERING YOUNG TALENT Jackie’s tips for kids who want to pursue performing arts. Don’t give up. “You’re young. This is your time to make mistakes, to learn, to mess up on stage—fall on your face, but then get right back up and continue,” says Foster. Get involved. Participate in youth theater, community theater and school productions. Make music videos. Foster made YouTube videos of her music, which is what got the attention of “The Voice” producers. Don’t stress. “Stop overthinking—just do it,” says Foster. “Don’t worry about what other people think.”