Tessa Victoria Could Be The Next Hawk Hitmaker

Vital Stats:

Name: Tessa Victoria
Age: 20
From: Maine, New York
Singing Experience: From childhood "I can remember driving around with my mom when I was younger listening to every Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, James Taylor, John Denver, and Shania Twain album (just to name a few) until I knew each and every song by heart.."
Heroes: Mom "I know it sounds cliche, but she was the first person I thought of when asked this question.
She is not only an amazing mom but a truly beautiful person inside and out. And I'm not just saying that because I'm her daughter, I know those who know her would say the same thing.
She has always been there to support, encourage, and help me in any way she possibly could. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for her."
Favorite Country Artist: Undecided "Hmm...such a tough question! I would say at the moment my favorite country artists would be Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert. Older Vince Gill, Travis Tritt."
Country Crush: Dierks Bentley "Dierks Bentley can serenade me with his smooth, southern voice anytime."

The Inside Scoop:

Tessa Victoria loves the storytelling and emotion in country music. She draws a lot of personal inspiration and support from her mom. As you read above, driving around listening to music with her mom sparked her music interest. Now, Tessa's taken voice lessons and is currently in college for music. Tessa loves to make a difference in people's lives, drawing on lessons learned from her mom:

She has always said "that if you have the chance to make even the smallest difference in someone's life, that's exactly what you should do. Whether it's as simple as a quick smile or "good morning" a kind word can change someones life." And this is something that I really do try to live by, simple things like that can make the world a better place. I think a hero is someone you look up to, admire, and aim to be like and that is exactly why I would say that my mom is my biggest hero.

To the country music skeptic:

Open your heart and open your mind. It is someone's story, someone's pain, someone's happiness, someone's passion. It shouldn't matter whether it's rock, country, rap, or classical. We all feel the same things.

To potential voters:

I grew up with a love of country music, riding horses, and small town life. These are all things that make me who I am and drive me to become part of the country music industry so I can share my stories and what I believe in with the world through my songwriting and singing.

Here is Tessa's song. Take a listen and look out for your opportunity to vote once all 10 contestants have been profiled.