Watch out for this rising star from the Houston area

LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- The Great American Songbook is the term used to describe some of the most influential and popular songs from the 1910s to 1950s. For League City resident and recent Clear Falls High School graduate Maddie Baillio, her love for this music has landed her a star in the making.

"I grew up listening to Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald," says Baillio. "It's witty and genuine and truthful."

So when Baillio's Choir Director Jill Fetty received an application for the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Competition in the mail, she knew it was perfect for her.

"As soon as I opened it, I knew Maddie had to apply," Fetty said.

Michael Feinstein is a singer on a mission to revive the American classics in our younger generations. Winning the competition includes a scholarship, an ambassador role, and the chance to travel the country and perform with Feinstein. Soon after Baillio applied, "I made it past the preliminary round, then the regionals, and then the finals were in Indiana," she adds.

On July 25th, out of 500 competitors, Baillio won.

"I was in shock," she said.

Winning may have been a surprise to Baillio, but not to those around her.

"I was so proud. What better honor for a parent than to watch your kids do what they enjoy and excel at it," says her mom, Stephanie Baillio.

"I was just so grateful that she had an opportunity to be recognized. Not just for the talent, which is incredible but for the work behind that talent," Fetty said.

While Baillio may still get pre-stage jitters before performing, she knows it's where she needs to be, and so does her teacher.

"When you hear Kristin Chenowith and Idina Menzel, someday one of those names will be Maddie Baillio," she said.