Liberty High Singer Wins Contest, Sets Sites on American Idol

Since she was 5, Ann Devine, now 15, had a dream to use her passion for singing, not only to go places, but also to give back to others.

Through the Eldersburg-based Rock Orchestra, , Devine, a sophomore at , has done just that, performing to raise money for local charities and perfecting her talent for her next step in life – auditioning for American Idol.

“JoeyDcares Rock Orchestra performs for so many wonderful charities, and being one of the lead singers for them has been an amazing opportunity,” said Devine.

When she’s not giving back through the rock orchestra, she’s working on her solo career. Devine took to the stage in the Liberty High School Idol Competition on March 23, taking first place honors for her renditions of “That Song in My Head” by Julianne Hough, and “Home” by Gwyneth Paltrow.

But the title didn’t come without a lot of hard work. Devine’s first singing classes were at the Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore, which gave her the skills to land roles for the past seven years in the Glyndon Area Players summer productions.

In addition, she has taken private vocal lessons with Silvie Damskey at Savage Dance for the past two years.

“She has helped me so much, and without her I probably would not have won idol.”

On July 14, Devine and the JoeyDcares Rock Orchestra will use their talent to host a special concert at Century High School, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that works to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

Devine, who plans to cut a demo CD this year, hopes she can continue to use her voice to give back. 

“I love to be able to sing with such talented and kind musicians, and do something that helps others. I get to do the thing I love to do and help others along the way.”