Ambar Ramirez
By Ambar Ramirez
Piper Pieratt’s love for singing began before she could even form full sentences — at just 18 months old. With both passion and talent, it was no surprise that when Pieratt stepped onto the Star Search stage at last year’s Clay County Fair, the search for a star was already over. She captivated the crowd with her stunning rendition of “My New Philosophy” by Kristin Chenoweth, leaving no doubt that she was born to perform.
Folio: When did you first discover your talent? And how long have you been practicing?
Pieratt: I started singing when I was only 18 months old. I already knew how to sing some nursery rhymes. I started practicing at St. Johns Stage when I was 7 years old, but before that, I was in a song and dance group called Showtime USA starting when I was about 4.
Folio: Who inspires you the most?
Pieratt: My mom and my musical theater team. My mom inspires me the most because she is an amazing singer, and I love that she has that talent. That gives me someone to look up to. I wish she would share her talent. Maybe I will inspire her! My musical theater team inspires me because they have lots of people supporting me, and when we go to a competition they say that I’m amazing at singing and it really means a lot.
Folio: If there was a movie about your life, what actress would play you and why?
Pieratt: Somebody like Kristen Chenoweth because she’s really exhilarating and fun like me, and she loves to talk to people.
Folio: How did you feel to perform in front of a live audience at the fair? Was it your first time singing in front of an audience?
Pieratt: I felt a little nervous, but mostly it was fun. I was also very supported by my family and friends and this was not my first time performing in front of an audience. Like I said, I’ve been doing this for a very long time.
Folio: What’s the first thing you did after winning —celebration, food, sleep ?
Pieratt: I celebrated and, of course, my mom wanted to take pictures. After that, I got a sweet treat and rode some rides.
Folio: If you could perform with any celebrity on stage, who would it be and why?
Pieratt: You might be thinking Taylor Swift, but no, I would choose Lin-Manuel Miranda because he starred in and wrote my favorite musical “Hamilton.” I also can keep up with his type of music. My dream would be to sing together.
Folio: Were there any moments during your performance when you thought I’ve got this or were you nervous the whole time?
Pieratt: I was a little nervous because the microphone was connected to a cord, and this song had choreography planned in it. I am used to wearing a headset but the rest of the song after it started, I was really happy, and I thought that I could do it the whole time.
Folio: How do you see this win impacting your future in performing?
Pieratt: I mean, I’m about to be in a magazine for goodness sake!
Folio: If you could describe your star, search journey in one word, what would it be?
Pieratt: Exciting!
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