Shalliney Oliva: Set to Audition for AGT
Fourteen-year-old Shalliney Oliva has a dream to share her gift of singing with the judges of America’s Got Talent. If she makes it past her virtual auditions on February twenty-fifth, she may be the first Belizean to showcase her talent on one of the world’s biggest stages. We visited her in San Ignacio to learn why this is important to Shalliney and her family and how she is preparing for the opportunity. Here’s Sabreena Daly with this week’s Look on the Bright Side.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
In a few weeks, Shalliney Oliva will take a chance by proving to producers of America’s Got Talent that she has what it takes to share her gift of singing with a panel of judges on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Luis Oliva
Luis Oliva, Father
“I always said, you know what, even if she doesn’t make it this time, we’ll reapply again. And not only to America’s Talent, but to different other auditions in the U. S. And so, you know, until she gets there, because she’s just getting better and better.”
Her parents are more than certain that their daughter has the potential to put Belize on the map in a new way.
Luis Oliva
“We have always heard her singing in the bathroom, in the house, and so forth, but never took a mic to actually sing. And after that, we were just like surprised, even our friends, you know, they were so surprised at how Shaliney can sing so well.”
Elida Oliva
Elida Oliva, Mother
“All I can do is provide support and that is even when it comes to emotional support to let her feel confident about herself and let her know that she can do this.”
Shalliney Oliva
Shalliney Oliva, Auditioning for AGT
“When I realized that I could sing, I started to watch shows on YouTube, like different shows, The Voice, and that’s how I came across America’s Got Talent. And just watching others display their talent, I said to myself that someday I want to be up there.”
Sabreena Daly
“Why do you love singing?”
Shalliney Oliva
“Well, I think the reason why I love singing is, well, you know, everyone goes through something and I think singing is just a way to help me cope with my emotions and just to help me control them better and just to let me express myself as well.”
Over at St. Ignatius High School, all support is being given to the young talent. Vice Principal Diana Gentle says the school is proud to have her representing their institution.
Diana Gentle
Diana Gentle, Vice Principal, St. Ignatius High School
“I am extremely proud to be a part of the institution where Shalliney is attending. We are definitely looking forward to the 25th of February and we will be rooting for her. In fact, we have asked our student population to ensure that they subscribe to Shalliney’’s YouTube channel because we want the word to get out. If it doesn’t happen for her this year, it will definitely happen for her. In the near future.”
Leading up to February twenty-fifth, preparation is key. Her father, Luis Oliva, sought a trainer for Shalliney to ensure that she is in shape for her big day.
Luis Oliva
“In September, she started music school with the idea to get her better because when we saw the videos and so forth, there are little technicalities that she has to work on, which she has mastered a lot of and she’s still getting better. So it was not actually only for AGT, but to professionally get her better.”
Shalliney Oliva
“I go to Allegro, and my teacher is Mr. Yo Elvis. Right now, we do like, every class session, when I come, he would also, um, he would always let me do warm ups to get my voice ready. And then, sometimes, we focus on songs and stuff, but right now, we’re focusing only on technical.”
And, as Shalliney prepares herself physically and mentally, her mother, Elida, recognizes that this opportunity is deeper than just their daughter getting a shot. They are representing their country.
Shalliney Oliva
“I just need to encourage her and let her believe that, you know, this is a step forward, not only for her, but she’s representing our family, all Belizeans, um, home and abroad. And there will be challenges, but to embrace them and look at them in a positive way.”
Should Shalliney make it past the auditions, she will begin fundraising for her journey to the live shows in May. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
