By Amy Joles (Contact / Staff Bio)
August 22, 2009 - 08:23 a.m. EST

GILFORD — Breyanna Thayer may be a “little pint,” but she’s got some big pipes to belt out country tunes.

The 11-year-old Reese Middle School student was the opening act at last night’s (Friday) Genesee County Fair. She warmed up the stage for country singers Julianne Hough and Keith Anderson.

In order to earn that spot, Thayer had to win overall at the Genesee County Talent Show. She won her age class and then beat the winner in the adult division to take the show’s title.

“I always say that singing is my happy place,” she said. “It feels really comfortable to me. I don’t know why, but I don’t really get nervous.”

The Friday night crowd was the largest ever to see a performance by Thayer. She’s performed locally at a variety of venues, usually competing with her country vocals.

Thayer has performed at “Rocket Idol” at the Rocket Bowling Bar and Grill. She has also taken top honors at “Millington Idol” two years in a row now, hosted during the Millington Old Fashioned Days.

Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and Kellie Pickler are Thayer’s singers of choice. Her rendition of Wilson’s “Redneck Woman,” has put her at the top of several competitions. Thayer is also working on her performance of “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues” by McBride.

“We’re just as proud as can be,” said Tim Thayer, Breyanna’s father.

Breyanna’s mother, Brenda Thayer, is always nervous watching her daughter, but both have faith in her talents, said Tim.

“We’re nervous, but she always does fine,” he said.

Last year, the Thayer family ventured to Chicago for “America’s Got Talent” auditions. Although Breyanna didn’t make the cut, she says she may try out again in the future. When she’s older, “American Idol” may be her next goal.

Until then, the little singer is happy to have earned some valuable stage experience and a cool $550 at the Genesee talent show. Those funds may go toward vocal coaching or some new school clothes, she said.

The Bean Festival may be the Thayer family’s next stop for their young songstress.

“My grandma (Nancy Williams) is kind of like my sponsor and my uncle Chad (Williams) always says he’s my manager,” she said proudly.

Breyanna Thayer plays the drums in her school band. Besides writing her own music, she also aspires to play the guitar someday, too.

Amy Joles is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at joles@tcadvertiser.com.