Chandler, AZ Local Makes U.S. Team at 15th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts

July 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Melissa Gernant is currently a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and has always dreamed of having a career as a singer.  "I have been singing since I was a little girl, including church choirs, school choirs and various bands.  I frequently go out to restaurants and karaoke bars to showcase my talents."   Melissa's voice is pleasing to an audience -  distinctly crisp, clean and pretty.  

"Almost every wish I have ever made whether it be on a shooting star or a birthday wish was to one day impress the right person with my voice."  Melissa met her husband after he was impressed enough with her voice having heard her sing at a karaoke bar, that he came up to her and asked her for a date.

Later, she would also use her voice to help her gravely ill son.  "When my son was in a coma two years ago, the doctors would tell me to sing to him because he could still hear me. He was only 14 months old then, and is alive and well today.  Now, every night, I sing the songs to him that I did when he was in the hospital and I get to tell him how I sang to him to keep him alive."

"Music is so much a part of who I am, and I thank God every day for the gift He gave me in my voice."

Melissa looks forward to participating in the upcoming World Championships of Performing Arts taking place July 17-22, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, where she will compete in the categories of vocals and acting, challenging the best of the best  contestants from around the world for the crown of World Champion.

Talent from more than 40 countries will participate in the 15th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts, July 17 through July 22, 2011 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Think "American Idol," "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance" on a global scale. Cited as the official "Talent Olympics," the World Championships of Performing Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer as the only international event of its kind held annually. Dancers, singers, models, actors, instrumentalists, and variety artists from more than 40 countries compete for the "gold" and $130,000 in scholarships. Over 100 entertainment industry experts (i.e. agents, managers, producers, casting directors, instructors, and music industry reps) are invited to judge, conduct seminars and cast.  Through a week of elimination rounds, 3,000 acts are narrowed down to the "best of the best" who then compete for the coveted top world champion crowns.

The competition week commences with the Opening Ceremonies Parade and free public performance at the Nokia Center, Sunday, July 17, from 9:00am - 10:00am.  The colorful parade culminates with the best performers from around the world giving Los Angeles a sneak peek of the amazing international talent that will be participating in this year's event.

The week of talent competition culminates with the Finals event, when 'the best of the best performers' vie for top world championship crowns and $130,000 in scholarships, Friday, July 22, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, in the California Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.

A live, global webcast of the event will be available at www.wcopa.com
July 22 at 7:00pm PST.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel  |  404 S. Figueroa Street  |  Los Angeles, 90071

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About World Championships of Performing Arts:
The objective is the annual production of the finest national, regional and international competitions for exceptional, aspiring performing artists! This prestigious global meet is for dedicated performers and entertainers who want to train and learn, compare their talent to others and network. This is an innovative contest with persons from the entertainment industry invited to judge and conduct seminars. For more information, log onto http://www.wcopa.com