Kali Kersten: Youth Division, Second Place

By Kaili Cochran

In first grade, Kali Kersten took a chance at her school’s talent show, but little did she know the talent show would change her life forever. For three years now, Kersten has been taking on the stage and giving performances from the heart. 

When Kersten got on the Star Search stage to perform “Hey, Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams Jr., it was clear that Kersten had the talent long before she discovered it in elementary school. Some of Kersten’s biggest inspirations are Anne Wilson, Lauren Daigle and Lainey Wilson. 

Kersten’s passion for singing goes beyond her own enjoyment, as she sings for the people who listen. Her favorite part of competing in Star Search was being able to sing and perform in front of the people in her hometown. Even the song she chose to perform had the audience in mind. 

“I chose it because it is a fun song and it really gets the crowd going,” Kersten said. 

With what Kersten describes as an energetic stage personality and the support of her family and singing coach Miss Marie Hardway, Kersten sees herself confidently performing in more competitions in the future.