Beach business owner’s daughter wins national honor
Fort Myers resident Tessa O’Gilvie recently captured a national title at the U.S. Talent Quest championships, in Laughlin, Nev. The daughter of Eric Ogilvie, who owns Island Water Sports and the Wicked Wings and Things near Lani Kai, sang three songs to win the Women’s Contemporary category in the Pop Music division and was named the highest-scoring female in the country by the event’s panel of judges.
Oglivie performed her signature song “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston as well as “Listen” and “One Night Only” by Dream Girls.
“‘I Will Always Love You’ is normally my show-stopper song,” she said. “A lot of people can’t hit the notes or will hit it but not in the way it’s supposed to be done. People are normally shocked when I actually get through it.”
Ogilvie began her national quest by competing at a local contest at Sandy Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill in Fort Myers. Then, after winning the competition in her division, she was invited to the state competition at Talent Quest Tampa, the world’s regional largest karaoke contest, and qualified for the national championships.
“Talent Quest is getting really, really big,” said the 28-year-old singer. “It was a cool way to get to know people. I competed against people from Hawaii, Canada and a lot of different cities. At the local contest, there were four of us that were chosen out of my category. I got third place at Tampa, then had to find a sponsor for the nationals in Nevada. I didn’t decide to go until the final day of sign-ups.”
Talent Quest has three categories divided into male and female divisions: Country, Contemporary (includes Broadway, pop, top 40, alternative) and 50-And-Over. Contestants must be 21 years old by the time of the national contest and are judged on three areas: Vocal ability, appearance and stage presence.
Oglivie is no stranger to stages, having performed in coffee houses, talent shows, weddings and birthdays. She even competed on American Idol in Hollywood two seasons ago.
“The difference is you’re way more prepared for Talent Quest than American Idol,” said Ogilvie. “In American Idol, I had to learn a song the day before and needed a much larger repertoire of songs. I auditioned in Miami and then went back there one or two more times for auditions before traveling to California. I made it about halfway through the week into the top 60’s and then I forgot my song. The judges were all very nice, though.”
She is now preparing to travel and perform on weekends. National scouts may come knocking on her door.
“I do have a few people who want to meet me and hear me sing,” said Ogilvie. “I’ll know more within the next three weeks.”