Inaugural National Anthem contest winner for Fourth of July celebration is 12-year-old Tamraloo Studios student

On June 18, six female vocalists from Placer and Sacramento counties auditioned to perform the National Anthem at Monday's Lincoln Fourth of July celebration at McBean Park. The inaugural Lincoln National Anthem Contest winner was announced Monday at the Independence Day celebration. The winner was 12-year-old Chayla Kuebler from Auburn, who takes voice lessons at Tamraloo Studios in Lincoln and has sung since she was five years old. Chayla, the youngest candidate to audition, "was nervous" during the audition process "but happy" that she tried. "I felt good that I did it," Chayla told The News Messenger on Wednesday. "(Performing the National Anthem on the Fourth of July) was really fun. There's so many people, it was easier to not be so nervous," Chayla said. Chayla's mother, Cindy Kuebler was surprised and excited that her daughter received the honor of singing the National Anthem on the Fourth of July. "I was really proud of her. It was kind of unexpected," Cindy Kuebler said. Contest auditions were held at Tamraloo Studios at 578 E St. in downtown Lincoln. Judges were Tamraloo Studios owner Tamie Rogers, Lincoln Fourth of July Foundation Vice President and Lincoln Potters announcer Willie Preston, vocal educator and Sacramento Theater Company member Sierra Bamsey, and Lincoln Fourth of July Foundation board member Daneita Morgan-Griffith. The idea was brought to the Lincoln Fourth of July Foundation by foundation President Anthony Bersamin. "He said, 'What if we instead of just ask someone, we let people come and try out instead to involve more people (in the community)?'" Rogers said. The six vocalists who auditioned were Chayla, Debbie Astle, Tabitha Hunter, Aubrie Johnson, Annabelle Eaton and Juliet Kennedy. "We were hoping that we would get a wide range of people that were interested in performing the 'Star Spangled Banner,'" Rogers said. "Also, we hoped that it (the contest) would bring awareness to what we're doing (in the community for the Fourth of July)." In addition to Chayla being selected to sing, the Lincoln Fourth of July Foundation selected Eaton to sing the National Anthem at the beginning of Lincoln's Fourth of July Parade on Monday.