Jaime Thietten (pronounced Teet'n) has a lot to be thankful for. During her 10-year singing career as a Christian AC and inspirational artist, she has used her soaring soprano voice to garner radio airplay around the world, win major industry awards, and share stages with recording artists such as Avalon, Clay Walker, Michael English and the Gaithers. Some fans are even calling her "Christian music's answer to Celine Dion".
Although the accolades mean a lot, stardom is not Jaime's number one priority. Her heart is centered on ministering to the body of Christ through her music and spreading the message of forgiveness within the church. To accomplish her goal, she has released five albums and performed at churches, concert venues and benefits from coast-to-coast. A new "pro-life" single and video are hitting the airwaves in 2008.
"I have never wanted to be famous," the blonde-haired artist says with a smile. "I would love to be able to reach more people, but as far as superstardom goes, that is not something I would love to do. If God wants me up on stage, that would be awesome, but it will be for his glory."
Jaime has been singing as long as she can remember. Her parents were amazed when she sang her first song at age 2. Four years later, the Idaho girl was singing harmonies on local stages with her mother and sister. By age 13, she was singing solos at churches, graduation ceremonies and weddings.
"I was an outdoor person and quite a tomboy," the artist adds with a laugh. "I loved riding horses and playing basketball. But I loved singing the most."
During her high school years, she gained regional fame by winning awards, landing college scholarships, performing at community and charity events, and recording radio and television commercials. Her biggest accomplishment, however, was being named Miss Magic Valley and competing for Miss Idaho in the Miss America pageant. Although she didn't win, she gained invaluable experience working with fellow contestants and performing on stage in front of hundreds of people.
"In addition to paying my way through college, the pageant experience taught me many valuable things," Jaime continues. "Going out of my comfort zone helped me to develop a greater trust in God and to see his wonderful plan for my life."
It was after college and her marriage to youth minister Pete Espil that she heard God's call to use her "extraordinary gift" in full-time music ministry. Over the next eight years, she released the albums Anywhere, Once Again, Remember, Jaime Thietten and Christmas. Her 2003 recording of the Celine Dion classic Because You Loved Me aired on radio stations across the country and was the number two played song on Nashville radio station 94.1 FM The Fish for four weeks. In 2006, her first official radio single,
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I'm Right Here, received airplay on several national radio networks and more than 150 stations in different parts of the world. The same year, the first printing of her CD Christmas sold out in four weeks.
A number of industry organizations have honored Jaime for her work. In 2003, she received Excellence in Media's Angel Award for the album Remember. Four years later, she was named "Female Vocalist of the Year", and her song Reckless Love was chosen "Song of the Year", in the IndieHeaven Momentum Awards.
Meanwhile, the artist's live music appearances have grown in number and stature. She averages 65 performances a year, sharing stages with acts such as Phillips, Craig