Payton Drew represents U.P. in state fair competition

MARQUETTE– One local young lady has qualified to compete in the Super Star Competition at the Michigan State Fair the first week of September.

Payton Drew is 15 years old and a junior at Negaunee High School. I asked Payton how long singing has been a part of her life, her families tells her its ever since she could talk.

“It was a little scary, I didn’t think much of it it was more of like an on a whim kind of a thing,” singer Payton Drew said. “Just send it in and see what happens.”

Payton sent in a video submission to the state fair organization, which then qualified her for a live audition downstate. The local singer qualified again making her one of 14 competitors to pass onto the semi finals.

“Exciting and a little bit intimidating since I’m only 15 and the second youngest person is in their twenties,” Drew said. “So it’s a little intimidating but I’m excited, I’m up for it.”

Yes, not only is Payton the only Yooper competing but also the youngest. Although Payton writes her own music and plays guitar for the competition she will be singing cover songs ranging from Christina Agularia, Eda James, and Florence and the Machine. Her 30 minute performance is judged by a panel and audience interaction. An audiologist will be judging the crowds cheering for each performance along with an app on-goers can thumbs up performers on.

“Not even winning just the experience and the exposure from other places and different people,” Drew said. “Meeting new people and stuff like that.”

This competition could make Payton one of the five to win a $20,000 recording package and a $2,000 cash prize. The local singer is asking anyone in the Novi area to come and cheer her on.

To follow Payton’s journey and see more of her music follow her on instagram at Payton.Drew.Music or PaytonDrewOfficial