Teen To Perform Live As Finalist For WISH Talent Show

“WISH – Let’s Fly to Japan!” is a Japanese talent show similar to the popular American TV shows “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice.” Severna Park High School freshman Destiny Felder, whose Carnegie Hall performance was highlighted in The Shout newsletter in February, has auditioned for “WISH.” After several submissions and rounds, she has made it to the U.S. finals.

The final 10 Americans will perform on April 14 at Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) in Washington, D.C. Their performances will be recorded and become part of the show “WISH.” Then one performer will move on to perform live in Japan with other international performers. A famous J-pop group, Da Pump in Japan, will fly to D.C. and they will be a guest on the show and perform after the show.

Severna Park Middle School choir teacher Arden Titus had nominated Destiny to perform at Carnegie Hall and at the time stated, “Traveling to a new place is one of the most invaluable experiences a student can get, and to get to perform while doing so is such an amazing privilege!”

Destiny agreed, stating, “Traveling is one thing I have always loved doing. The opportunity to visit another state and/or country and learn about different cultures is truly an honor and privilege. It’s something I think a lot of us take for granted when having the opportunity to travel.

“Going to Japan would be the most amazing experience and has been a dream of mine since I was 7 years old,” Destiny added. “When I lived in Leuven, Belgium, one of my best friends was Yui, who shared so much about her rich culture and pictures of Japan. I never thought my talent in being a performer could one day help me to achieve that dream, possibly so early on in life.”

Destiny has been singing since she was 3 years old but began taking it more seriously after her first audition for “Willy Wonka Jr.” at Jones Elementary School in partnership with Stage & Screen Studios. She originally lacked the confidence to perform or audition in front of anyone but her family. Her mom promised to take her out for yogurt if she would just sing her favorite song, which at the time was “The Phantom of the Opera.” Then Pete Garvey, director and instructor at Stage & Screen Studios, asked her to sing again and helped her gain the confidence and ability to perform in front of others.

She also recalled how two “amazing” moms helped her feel more confident in her abilities during her fourth and fifth grade years, Jennifer Degnan and Kim LaBrier. Now, having just turned 15 years old, she has studied music for six years and is a member of the Severna Park High School vocal ensemble under the direction of Sara Metcalfe.

Anyone can cheer on Destiny at the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 14 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Sakura Matsuri in Washington, D.C., at the J-pop or Sakura stage. More information can be found at www.wishflytojapan.com.