Originally published in La Plaza Press

By ELLA FLETCHER and ALISSON BERMUDEZ

Through the pandemic, motivation has been hard to find. With the determination of certain organizations, some children have luckily escaped this fate and have been able to keep up with hobbies throughout this worldwide lockdown.

Redlands East Valley High School junior Sarah Urbieta has been an instrumentally talented student since the age of eight. Urbieta began her talented music journey by playing the piano, but her piano teacher soon opened her eyes to another musical instrument: her voice. This natural talent surprised everyone in her family as well. With the encouragement of both her family and her teacher, she enrolled in singing lessons. From now on, singing would  be a part of Urbieta’s life forever. 

On top of her singing lessons, Urbieta has joined multiple extracurriculars both inside and out of school. Her music knowledge has only grown as she has taken on both violin and bass in her school’s orchestra program. Outside of music Urbieta takes multiple Advanced Placement and Honors classes, is involved in French club, and plans to try out for REV’s volleyball team once she is safely allowed to. 

Despite this intense workload, Urbieta decided to enter Despierta America’s voice talent competition: Mi Hijo Es Un Artista. Urbieta’s mother approached her with the idea one day after school and, even though the studio was finished with the audition process, Urbieta sent her video audition in hoping she would still be accepted as a contestant.  

“Even if I didn’t win it would be a great opportunity for us. Get my face out there,” said Urbieta.

Despierta America not only accepted Urbietas audition but the studio contacted her saying that they loved her video! The team complimented Urbieta’s passion for music as well as her unique singing style. She was now a contestant and had to send in a second video of her signing. At this point in the competition the contestants would usually visit the Univision studio in Miami to be interviewed and further audition but Covid 19 concerns made it impossible. Her second virtual audition process went smoothly so the Urbieta family continued to wait. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CG_B-1zgN1M/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=13&wp=1480&rd=https%3A%2F%2Flaplazapress.wordpress.com&rp=%2F2021%2F04%2F05%2Fstudent-wins-cash-prize-for-voice-talent%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A929.4000000953674%7D

On Oct.16, 2020, Sarah Urbieta and her parents appeared on screen, tensely waiting for the outcome of the contest. After compliments on the winners voice talent and unique sound, a Despierta America spokesperson announced that Urbieta had won the competition. She and her family were ecstatic and relieved that Urbieta had finally won. 

“It was just one of the best things ever, you know? Where you fought so hard for something and you are finally able to get a win,” Urbieta said. 

Along with her win Urbieta was awarded 1,000 dollars to help her progress in her music career. The station also congratulated her on her win, saying she stood out from her competitors. After the competition, the studio’s team has visited her three times to congratulate, interview her, and to do a Holiday Special Thanksgiving designed to encourage those struggling during the current pandemic crisis. Despierta America’s support gave Urbieta a confidence boost and confirmation that all of her hard work had paid off. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIFIQGTAAJv/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=13&wp=1480&rd=https%3A%2F%2Flaplazapress.wordpress.com&rp=%2F2021%2F04%2F05%2Fstudent-wins-cash-prize-for-voice-talent%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A932.5999999046326%7D

Urbieta has not had any major doubts about her music career because she has always been able to keep things in a positive perspective. The support of her family has really helped not only to maintain her hard working mindset, but also to forward her career in general. Her two young siblings are dragged around with Urbieta to auditions, festivals, and private events all because they are too young to be left alone in the house. The undeniable support of the family is what motivates Urbieta everyday to move forward and succeed in her dream. No matter the situation, time, or place, her family is right behind her ready to catch her falls and celebrate her victories. 

“If it makes you happy, you have to keep doing it no matter what,” said Urbieta.

She misses the energy felt when live on stage before the pandemic, such as her performance at the Mariachi Festival. 

Urbieta truly believes these words and fully intends to continue her music career, using this recent win as a springboard into future projects. This competition has given her national publicity and she is frequently asked to do private events digitally. 

Urbieta perseveres because she wants to pursue her music as a career and thanks to her hard work, vocal talent, and success with Diespierta America, her future is looking exceptionally bright.

“During my live performances I’m really just able to express myself and really just feel connected to the music and the audience. It’s something that has been hard to adjust to because for me it was kind of like therapy in a way. So I’ve had to adjust my mindset a bit and really just learn how I can still express myself and still interact with my audience. I just can’t wait for the moment I’m able to feel and experience that again!” Urbieta explains. 

To see more performances by Sarah Angel, search her Instagram handle @sarahangelmusica.