"I have so many musical influences, ( R&B, Jazz, Soul, Pop, Rock, Oprah, Funk, Hip Hop, Romanticos, etc.) What sets me apart is the natural sound in my voice, clear and powerful... You just have to hear it for yourself... Singing at school with friends was where I really began to open up as a singer. I just loved to listen to the radio and sing along." Throughout her junior high school years, Natalie modeled, took dance, acting and singing lessons. She then became a Miss Teen USA finalist at age thirteen. "I didn't even know how to read music or that I had a six octave voice of range until High school." By senior year, Natalie was performing often as "High School Soloist", at school, "Jazz Band Singer" at local jazz night clubs, local restaurants and other public venues. As president of her choir class, Lead Singer of the jazz band, Dance Team Dancer, and directing both choir and chorus classes; Natalie learned how to manage her many abilities. She would be invited to open for her 1997' Senior Awards Night, awarded "Best Performer" and, "Most Beautiful Eyes" by her peers. In May of the same year, Natalie opened her Sylmar High School Graduation Ceremony by singing "God Bless the Child" originally sung by Billy Holiday, for over 3,000 people, then graduated with honors in Music for her singing ability. Shortly after, Natalie Marie was crowned "Miss Sylmar 1997" at the Elk's Lodge in San Fernando, California. She was then invited to compete for the title of Miss San Fernando, Miss USA and Miss Latina USA, but declined in order to focus on singing full time. After graduating High School, Natalie went on tour for two years with the performance group "His Company" (acting, dancing and singing). By age twenty one, Natalie was offered three secular record deals (by various major record labels) of which she and her parents turned down for moral reasons. Natalie continued to sing, knowing that her talents would help her achieve her dreams. While taking private voice lessons from Seth Riggs and Richard Fredricks, Natalie collaborated with other songwriters and producers to develop her own music. Natalie Marie's music began getting air play worldwide on Cable Radio Network, The Pat Boone Show, internationally on DMX Radio, and locally on The Fish, (Salem Radio Station.) Currently, Natalie is a regional success with an international fan base via her websites nataliemarie.net and myspace.com/nataliemarielive. She was interviewed and performed live again this month on Time Warner television shows "The Answer of the Lips", "Music For the Ears Medicine for the Soul Gospel Music Show", and "It's a Sports Thing" in the Ventura and Los Angeles counties. These shows aired live throughout the US, in selected states, and were broadcasted to over seven million viewers! This talented, soulful, pop artist's first single "Don't Stop Your Praise" released October 30th, 2007 on myspace, is being sold on CD as of November 23rd, 2007 and her first album will be releasing on CD soon! In the meanwhile, she is writing & recording songs for her first album! She recently was interviewed live on Time Warner television shows The Answer of the Lips, "Music For the Ears Medicine for the Soul Gospel Music Show", and "It's a Sports Thing" in the Ventura and Los Angeles counties. These shows aired live throughout the US in selected states and were broadcasted to over seven million viewers! "Don't Stop Your Praise" Now airing locally on Solo Para Ti Radio, internationally on DMX Radio (11 Million listeners). Local Newspaper covers Natalie's story and Album release.... Check it out here... http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2007/1221/Neighbors/024.html ...