Portage fifth-grader has a YouTube hit after talent show
February 16, 2012 in Features
In addition to singing, Renee also loves cross country, basketball and soccer.
Kyle Elementary School in Portage has its own budding YouTube star and no one is more surprised than the star’s mother. Although Michelle Schaefer says that her daughter, Renee Rushing, has been singing for as long as she can remember, she only recently started performing in public.
“She sings nonstop at home—her brother and sister tell her to be quiet—but the first time she really performed in public was over the summer at our church, Real Life Church in Portage,” says Michelle.
Renee hasn’t had any real formal training, but she did work with the daughter of her church’s music director a few times over the summer, culminating in a nervous performance in front of the congregation. She also won third place in the karaoke contest at this year’s Perch Fest. Then she participated in her school’s talent show this month, which led to the YouTube video that currently has more than 3000 views in less than a week.
“I got a text message from someone who goes to our church who is in college right now and she said that the girl sitting next to her in class was watching Renee on YouTube on her phone. It’s just amazing,” says Michelle.
Singing Adele’s hit “Rolling in the Deep,” Renee certainly doesn’t show any signs of nervousness in her talent show performance.
“I used to have stage fright when I first sang in front of people,” says the fifth grader, “but then I realized I should get over my fears.”
Renee and her mom chose “Rolling in the Deep” together, with Renee wanting to sing an Adele song and Michelle picking the one she felt was the most appropriate for her 11-year-old daughter. Several people have commented that they want to send the video of Renee’s performance to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, but Michelle is focusing on keeping Renee grounded in light of her glimpse of fame. No matter what happens as a result of her talent show performance, Renee has her own hopes for the future.
“I want to be a singer when I grow up,” she says. “I like country and Christian music, so if I ever get to have that chance, I might do some Christian songs and some country songs.”
Check out Renee’s version of “Rolling in the Deep.”
South Shore Parent
Northwest Indiana
