Inside Local American Idol: Felicia Barton

October 9, 1:16 PMNorfolk Events ExaminerCherylyn Ebertz

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs, and do that." wrote Christian author John Eldridge. "Ask yourself what makes you come alive and do that because the world needs people who have come alive."

Twenty-seven- year old Virginia Beach native, Felicia Barton lives up to this standard.

She can't pinpoint the start of her lifelong love for music. The music was inside of her from the beginning.

"My brother says I probably came out singing," she said. "I don’t remember when singing and music in general wasn’t a part of my life!"

Barton graced the American Idol stage this year as part of Season 8's top 36 contestants. "I want to pursue this as  a career. American Idol is the largest stage and an outlet for a lot of people to get in front of some of the biggest people in the industry."

Her ultimate goal is not fame and fortune. 

"Success in life has to do with happiness, family, and living your dreams!" Barton explained. "I am also a big believer in faith. I know that without it, life on earth is not going to matter much eternally."

The three most important things in Felicia Barton's life are faith, family, and passion.

"I want to teach Malachi, my two year old, how to chase his dreams. The best way for him to learn is to see Mommy chasing her dreams!"

This sparked her decision to audition for the show and chase her destiny. 

"Why not?" she asked. "I didn’t want to be 40 and look back and say I wish I had!"

Although she did not advance into the top 12 on the show, her American Idol experience has changed her life drastically. 

Her biggest surprise was finding out that she has gained fans from all over the world since appearing on the show. 

"I think being recognized has changed my life. Also, just making a decision to pursue this full time has meant a lot of traveling and being on the road. It is a definite change!"

Since her American Idol journey, Barton has been writing and recording songs for her debut album, traveling back and forth between Virginia Beach and Nashville, Tennessee to collaborate with other musicians and songwriters.

"I try to bring everyone with me as often as possible!", she said. This helps to balance life as a wife, a mother, and a musician. "This is a journey and it wouldn’t be worth it if I did it by myself!"

Though she has not yet been signed to a record label she is enjoying the songwriting process while recording. 

"I think (songwriting) is something I will be pursuing along side being an artist. Writing for other people is a challenge and a lot of fun! I just want all of my songs to speak to people where they are and be positive! I am pretty exhausted by negative lyrics."

Barton equally enjoys performing live, and her poised, compelling stage presence confirm that the stage is where she belongs.

Since American Idol, Felicia has shared her tantalizing tunes at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront's July 4th celebration and the Patriotic Festival, opening up for David Cook and Matt Nathanson. Most recently, she played at the finale of the Sandler Center's "Why Not Wednesdays?". You can hear her sing her stellar songs on Saturday evening at 5:00 pm, October 10th at the Oceanfront's 31st Street stage during the Fleet Week Beach Bash, celebrating the Navy's birthday. 

Her love of music permeates her life and she believes that "Music speaks to people on so many levels, and with this love, I believe you can help people through whatever they may be going through."

She describes her sound as an organic pop. "Kind of a Natasha Bedingfield with some Alicia Keys, however, I love all styles so you will hear a little Motown in some songs and a little rock in others."

Her sweet, yet powerful vocals and captivating charm prove that she is one of Hampton Road's local treasures and that she is destined for success.