Every now and then someone special changes the face of entertainment as we know it. They start with a dream and some natural talent, step into the limelight through hard work and ambition, and catch a following of fans with explosive energy and pure entertainment. They’re the Garth Brooks’, Elvis Presleys, Beatles and Madonnas of the world. In 1992 we caught a glimpse of such an entertainer, before he and his ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ slipped out of the spotlight. Little did we know, the best was yet to come from his little baby girl.
I met Miley Cyrus for the first time last fall. I didn’t know her name or why my cousin, like so many other kids his age, loved the bubbly teenager. That didn’t last long though. By the end of the first episode I caught a glimpse of what her hordes of fans saw–a genuine, charismatic and natural talent you can’t help but love. I can’t say I jumped fully on the bandwagon that day. I didn’t run out to the nearest mall to buy my Hannah Montana T-shirts or posters, I did however gain an appreciation for the kind of talent that comes around only once in a while.
I won’t profess to be the number one Hannah Montana fan. As a full-time student with a part-time job I have to admit I don’t have time to follow her adventures. But this isn’t about me. I’m entering this on behalf of someone who I consider to be the number one Hannah Montana fan.
Shortly after meeting Miss Hannah Montana herself courtesy of her TV show, I met Sammi. I didn’t see it at first. She seemed like your average college student. But then Hannah Montana blasted across the airwaves in my friend’s truck. Sammi went crazy. She was all Christmas morning excited and first kiss giddy in mere seconds. She reverted from a college student into a pre-teen, star-struck fan. That’s when I first learned Sammi love, love, loved Hannah Montana. But that was only the tip of the iceberg.
The first time I stepped into Sammi’s house it was like stepping into an alternate universe–one where Hannah Montana reigned supreme. Her voice blasted from the stereo, her face from the living room furniture–Sammi’s favorite bean bag chair features none other than Hannah Montana herself. Sammi had all the magazines, clothes and posters you could imagine.
Her love for Hannah Montana extended beyond her material possessions. When asked to come up with an idea for a writing class, Sammi had to center it around Hannah Montana. She ran it by her professor and got approval to write her final term paper on the world’s newest heroine–Hannah Montana–and the effect that she has on youth worldwide.
If that’s not dedicated, I don’t know what is. If there’s a way for Sammi to exude her fanaticism, she finds it. Unfortunately, this little ball of fanship hasn’t made her way to a Hannah Montana concert yet. Sammi comes from a large family and is struggling to pay her way through school. She can’t afford to gas her car, let alone take in her favorite singer’s act. This is where you and I come in. I’m hoping that I can present a convincing enough argument to appeal to you, the judges, that there will be no choice but for you to send Sammi to the concert in Provo.
I can’t begin to imagine her reaction. I know this gesture will make her year and possibly her entire college experience. That’s how much she loves Miley Cyrus. I don’t know a lot about Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus for that matter. I do know that she means the world to Sammi. If you want the wildest, craziest, most dedicated fan in attendance I would submit that you either open your hearts and extend this opportunity to little Sammi, or let me know the best way to sneak into Lavell Stadium. That way, Sammi really can have the best of both worlds.