Howdy!  My name is Blondelle R'icque' Hawkins.  I am 21 years old, and I want to become a famous singer in gospel music.

I've sung in church since I was a little child; my mama says that God's gifted me with the ability to sing.  I love to sing; it's my passion in life, what keeps me going.  Even when down, I can always count on a song to lift me up out of the doldrums.

I live in Washington DC with my mama, daddy, and my two younger brothers Quinceton Erique (20) and RaShawn George (15).  I work as a waitress as a living; but my first passion is music.

When I am not working, I sing.  I sing at churches around the Washington DC metro area, or at any functions that they ask me to perform at; there is nothing more gratifying to me than lifting up my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in song, or blessing other people with my talents. 

I have been trying to get ahead in music, but stumbling blocks have been put in my way.  For one thing, funds.  Trying to get ahead costs money; money is somethin' we don't have a lot of (but we sure do have a lot of love!!); yet I am determined to try to make it.  I have to; I want a better life for me and my family, and I believe that with God's help, I will be able to succeed at whatever I set my mind to.

When "America's Got Talent" comes here, looking for new talent, I am going to try out.  Anything to try to help my family, as well as myself.  I am confident; nothing is going to stop me.  I am sure that I can do it.  I mean, if a little four year old girl or a little nine year old autistic boy can make it, by God, then so can I!

(The little girl advanced to the top ten before being knocked out; the boy, meanwhile, didn't make it past the top forty.)

I swear the devil is doing everything he can to keep me from reaching my goal; however, he doesn't know me, Blondelle R'icque' Hawkins, very well!  Mama has always called me a little spitfire; and I am going to show that ol' devil that I am going to live up to my name!  :)  I am not one to give up very easily!

I could try out for "American Idol"; however, I don't think I could handle Simon Cowell's acerbic tongue.  He can be cruel sometimes; it breaks my heart to see him and the other three judges laughing at the lesser-talented contestants trying out.  That would just devastate me.  I have always had a tender spirit; I hate it when people bring me down, say that I'm not good enough!

Well, I am going to go; am at work, and it's time to start my shift here at Cracker Barrel, which is where I work for a livin'.  I will write in here again soon; that way, you can follow along with my progress towards (future) stardom!  May God bless you mightily, and say a prayer for me, especially when "America's Got Talent" comes calling; pray I make it!  It would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for listening to this starry-eyed gal's story; I feel my story isn't finished by a long shot!

~Love, your friend in Washington, DC, Blondelle R'ique' Hawkins, aged 21.  :)