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There was only one problem: She's 15 years old—one below the age requirement.

"I really wanted too," the Lapeer teen said. "That would be a good experience. I wanted to go last year, but I had to be 16. I was really disappointed."

Although the American Idol plans didn't pan out for this season's FOX hit, McCully will be traveling to another competition far out west Memorial Day weekend. She will be competing in the U.S.A (Un-Signed Artist) World Showcase in Las Vegas, where she auditioned over the phone and got accepted for the competition.

"I heard about (the showcase) online," said McCully, who sang Etta James' "At Last." "It's something that gets broadcast online. I wanted to do it for a long time."

The showcase, which also has categories for dancing too, will have more than 150 contestants from around the country competing in it. After she sings her song in the morning, McCully will find out if she's a finalist and compete again later that evening. If she wins that round, she'll get called back to Las Vegas at a later date.

"It hasn't hit me yet," she said. "When I get there, I'll probably be nervous."

McCully is no stranger to performing in front of an audience. Along with occasionally singing karaoke at Hitch-n-Post and Calvelli's Eatery and Spirits in Lapeer, she recently performed at the PIX Theatre in their annual Country Jamboree. There she sung "I'm Here for the Party" by Gretchen Wilson, and "Tonight the Heartache's on Me" by the Dixie Chicks.

A 10th-grader at Lapeer East High School, she's also performed in their talent shows. She also placed in the top four in Lapeer Idol during last year's Lapeer Days, which boosted her confidence.

"She makes my skin crawl when she belts out those country tunes," said McCully's proud mother, Carol Sally. "She sings all the time at home. She's really excited."

McCully's favorite country artists are Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks. She said she has been singing country since kindergarten.

"My whole life. I just love it," she said. "I hope to make it far in country."

McCully plays tennis for Lapeer East and dances at Panache School of Dance in Lapeer. She has two brothers, Bradley and Oscar McCully.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com