ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – An Ouachita Baptist University student said it’s a dream come true after singing in a competition in front of Broadway stars in New York City.
20-year-old Amaya Hardin who is from Maumelle sang her way to the finals for the Broadway World’s Next on Stage College Competition in NYC, she not only came back to Arkansas as a finalist but was also recognized as a top emerging young talent.
“I am just excited for the future,” Hardin said. “I always find on the stage I feel very freeing.”
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Amaya said she competed in the finals in January, but never expected to make it as far after being rejected the first time she applied.
“I initially submitted a video and I didn’t get past any round and I just decided one day I would do it again. Then all of sudden I am in the top 15 and I was like ‘What,’” she said. “Then I was in the top 10, top 5 and then top 3 to go to New York.”
Hardin said she sang ‘Home’ by The Wiz which is from her favorite musical.