Carmen Macri
Words by Carmen Macri
With a name like Joni Baxley, it’s almost fitting that she was crowned the shining star of Clay County’s Star Search competition last year. But make no mistake — her talent speaks for itself. Baxley has been singing for as long as she can remember, her earliest performances taking place in church as a young girl. Since then, she’s honed her craft on karaoke stages wherever she can find them, seizing every opportunity to step into the spotlight. And when she took the stage at Star Search, she owned it, belting out Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” — a song that’s notoriously difficult to pull off, but for Baxley, it was effortless.
Folio: When did you first discover your talent, and how long have you been practicing?
Baxley: I’ve been singing my whole life. Started singing as a child in church.
Folio: Who inspires you the most?
Baxley: My momma! She passed a few years ago, and when I miss her the most, I sing.
Folio: If there was a movie about your life, what actor would play you and why?
Baxley: No movie could ever come close to how blessed I am.
Folio: Can you tell us a little about your performance and what inspired it?
Baxley: It was from the heart! Every time I sing it’s a feeling of comfort, stress relief and happiness. To even attempt a song from Whitney Houston was an experience in itself.
Folio: Why did you choose the song you performed?
Baxley: The DJ at my local bar I work at, Declan, chose this song. He had way more confidence in me than I definitely did.
Folio: How did you prepare for the competition? Any special routines or rituals?
Baxley: Practiced on karaoke night where I work. I have a farm so they got entertained a lot.
Folio: Were there any moments during your performance when you thought, I’ve got this — or were you nervous the whole time?
Baxley: In no way did I think I had this. I was nervous before and during the performance; however, I had a huge group of friends and family in the crowd supporting me the entire way
Folio: What made you decide to compete in Star Search?
Baxley: All of it goes to my dear friend, Declan. Something I never thought I would do. My family supported it 100%, and my friends were behind me.. like no other.
Folio: What was your favorite part of competing in Star Search?
Baxley: The love and joy that it brought to others.
Folio: How did it feel to perform in front of a live audience at the fair? Was it your first time singing in front of an audience?
Baxley: I have sung in front of audiences my whole life. But this was different. We were all competing.
Folio: What’s the first thing you did after winning — celebration, food, sleep?
Baxley: As soon as I knew I won, I called my daughter. She was such an encouragement during the whole thing. After that, [I] took them heels off, and we had food and drinks with friends and family.
Folio: How do you see this win impacting your future in performing?
Baxley: I will still be the same old me. Nothing will change. I love to sing, but my family and farm come first.
Folio: If you could describe your Star Search journey in one word, what would it be?
Baxley: I don’t feel like you can describe this in one word. It was nerve-wracking, but very rewarding. If you get the chance … do it!
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