Smithfield girl advances on ‘AGT’

Published 8:45 pm Thursday, August 16, 2012

Smithfield High School student Bria Kelly will be a semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent” after impressing judges on Tuesday night.

Kelly, who sang a Miranda Lambert tune live on air for the NBC show, is one of 32 contestants whose chances remain alive, according to the show’s website.

She had been successful in a YouTube round with online voting.

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The 16-year-old is a regular performer around Smithfield and Hampton Roads. A list of upcoming gigs on her website lists the Smithfield Farmers’ Markets alongside BeachStreet USA on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Poquoson Seafood Festival and, more locally to Suffolk, Driver Days.

“America’s Got Talent” hopefuls are barred from discussing the show or auditions, and doing so could jeopardize their selection chances.

According to Kelly’s website, she has opened concerts for major artists and bands Craig Morgan, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, Rodney Atkins and the Carter Twins.

“Anywhere there is an audience, a sound system, and at least one guitar nearby, Bria loves to be there,” according to her website. “Music is everything to her.”