Local singer back home after appearing on 'Rising Star'
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A Fayetteville teenager did not get the votes to move on in the new ABC show "Rising Star," but she isn't letting that get in the way of her dream.
Summer Collins is back home now from what she calls a thrill of a lifetime. Sunday, she flirted with instant fame, but now her feet are planted firmly on the ground.
"I don't think the fame is the important thing," said Collins. "I think it's touching people who love the music, and inspiring others, and helping others. That's what's important to me."
Summer said being on that stage before a worldwide audience was the thrill of a lifetime.
"My performance -- I gave everything I could give in that moment," she said. "So, I wasn't really intimidated by the TV screens, or the audiences, or even the experts. It was one of the craziest and most awesome things I have been able to do."
Collins said she got some showbiz pointers and encouragement from Brad Paisley and the other judges on the show.
She just wishes her mom and dad had been in the audience. Her dad, who is an Army veteran, is recovering at a VA hospital in Florida. She had a special message for him.
"Hi dad. I'm on TV. I hope you are doing well. See you soon," said Collins.
Collins was just 10 years old when her mom died after battling leukemia. She started writing and singing -- saying it was her medicine. It's medicine she now wants to share with others who are hurting as well.
"I am not on this Earth to stare at myself in the mirror," said Collins. "I am here to try and help as many people as possible because I want to feel important, and I want to make others feel important. I believe a song can do that."
Sadly, Collins didn't make the cut Sunday night, but the 18-year-old talent is not going away. She's just getting started.
