JLO: What was your first memorable public performance?
AH: I was four years old and in the children’s choir at my church. We were doing a program and all got to dress up as a fish and sing a song called “fishtales”.
JLO: Who are three singers who have influenced you throughout your singing career and why?
AH: Three influential singers in my singing career would be, number one, Kari Jobe. She brings tears to my eyes every time I hear her, she is such an awesome secant of God, a crazy good vocalist, and worship leader. Two: Carrie Underwood is also mind blowing to me; some of the notes she can belt out are unnatural. She’s an incredible songwriter, and I admire her a lot. I also just started getting into singing jazz. This is because of number three — Eliza Johnson. I saw a YouTube video of hers and thought, ‘Wow, I love her voice.’ Then I thought ‘I love this song.’ Ever since then I have listened to and learned to really enjoy singing jazz myself.
JLO: Who are some local performers who inspire you?
AH: Locally there are three teachers that have really influenced me and helped me in my music career. I think some people make bigger impressions on your life than they think they do, and two of those people for me are Richard Moore and John Unzicker, my high school music teachers. They have helped me to become a better musician, friend, student, worship leader, and overall person. Both of them are so gifted, and I feel extremely blessed to have them as role models and teachers. I also really look up to Ken Guiher as a local musician who has helped me so much throughout my journey.
JLO: What are three songs you absolutely love to sing?
AH: Picking three songs that I love to sing is a really hard thing to do because I really just love to sing anything, but one song that I love to sing at church is called “It is well” by Bethel Music. It is probably one of my most favorite songs ever. I also have a huge soft spot for the Beatles and love to sing “Yesterday.” Last but not least, I would have to say “Isn’t it Romantic” by Lorenz Hart, just because I love that jazzy sound it has. They all have great lyrics and all are so diverse from each other but I love them equally.
JLO: What is your favorite local role or performance?
AH: Being a worship leader at Chapel By The Lake is probably one of my favorite roles that I play as a musician in our community. It is such an amazing way to share the gifts with which God has blessed me with his people, and to direct them into doing what he has put us on Earth for — to love and worship Him.
JLO: What’s your favorite place to sing (besides the stage)?
AH: Besides singing on any sort of a stage, the one place I cannot resist singing is on the boat while I pull crab pots with my dad. It’s kind of our thing. We can share our love for music, the outdoors, and each other during this time and it is something really special to me… plus it’s super fun!
JLO: What’s a famous movie or theatre role you would love the chance to play?
AH: This is the hardest question! There are thousands of roles I would love to play, but I like to be creative, original, and think outside of the box a little bit sometimes, so instead of saying Ariel, or Elsa, I’m going to have to say I would love to play the role of Kelsi Neilson from “High School Musical.” She is the piano player and songwriter in those movies and I think she is so cute. I love how she dresses and I love that even though she is the one who makes all the shows she never tried to gain the attention.
JLO: What are some of your other interests besides singing?
AH: Outside of singing, anyone who knows me knows that I love to watch hockey, play in the symphony and JDHS pep band, eat cookies, and drink as much coffee as humanly possible.
To vote for Abigail, text DivaAbigail to 71777 and follow the prompts, or visit her campaign page at igfn.us/vf/DivaAbigail.
