"Lil-yah"

In my few short years attending the Upattinas School and Resource Center, I met many interesting people. I was shown the inner beauty that so many people posess. As I found myself blooming into the person I am today, I witnessed the transformation of many other people as well. One of which was an amazingly talented girl by the name of Lelia Broussard (pronounced “Lil-yah” as she has corrected so many). I first met her about four years ago, and was immediately taken aback but her beautiful voice and creative lyrics. From the first time I met her I found that she was completely dedicated to her dreams, even at a young age. And even more shocking was the complete support from her family. I had never seen a family so dedicated to their daughter’s dream.

At that early point her sound was unique, even though her voice was a little raw. But the talent was there, just waiting to be refined into one of the most beautiful gems in the world of music. I did not get a chance to see Lelia much during my senior year of high school, however she was always to be found at school functions or at performance class, singing her heart out and showcasing her new songs to us. I lost touch over last year as I went to college, so when she “friended” me through www.myspace.com I was blown away by the new her. She had been terribly successful in the year I had missed. She’d been played on the radio, had two of her songs featured on episodes of “Joan of Arcadia” and so much more. As the songs on the site began to play I was in such disbelief. Was this the same girl? Had she really grown that much? She had blossomed from a seedling into a full rose.

As a mere spectator I can not tell how the transformation came to happen, although I suspect it was from her dedication and spirit. Lelia had always had the talent to write meaningful, soulful music and to sing it the way it was meant to be. Now she has grown into her voice and become a beautiful girl who I am certain will cause a sensation. Her defiance of the pop world comforts me as she sings the way she wants and is duely recognized for it. In the short time I have known her she has gone from a talented girl, singing her heart out, to an amazing professional singing to your soul.

For all those who want to learn more about this amazing local artist, www.leliabroussard.com or www.myspace.com/leliabroussard. Listen to her yourself and I promise you will be impressed.