Bill Text: MS SC642 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize 18-year-old singing sensation Skylar Laine as the first Mississippi artist to reach "American Idol's Top 5."
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 15-6)
Status: (Passed) 2012-04-30 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC642 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-SC642-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Lee, Gollott, Moran, Harkins, Carmichael, Frazier, Ward, Flowers, Tollison, Hudson, Watson, Fillingane, Chassaniol, Browning, Burton, Blount, Sojourner, Butler (38th), Montgomery, Simmons (12th)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 642
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING 18-YEAR-OLD COUNTRY ROCK SINGING SENSATION SKYLAR LAINE FROM BRANDON AS MISSISSIPPI'S FIRST ARTIST TO REACH "AMERICAN IDOL'S TOP 5."
WHEREAS, Skylar Laine made Mississippi history on April 26, 2012. The 18-year-old country rock singer from Brandon, Mississippi, became the state's first artist to reach "American Idol's Top 5"; and
WHEREAS, this landmark achievement ensures her a spot on the show's national "American Idol" summer tour, which last year included 49 dates in the United States, Canada and the Philippines, and this year the tour includes Jackson, Mississippi, on July 31, 2012. This achievement also virtually guarantees her a record deal. Every Top 10 member from past seasons has been signed to a label; among them include Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia and Chris Daughtry. Results were decided by public vote following performances on Fox television; and
WHEREAS, Skylar Laine has impressed the judges, and apparently the voters. Randy Jackson called her a "great country singer" and described her as a mix of Kelly Clarkson, Tina Turner and Reba McEntire. Jimmy Lovine, who has produced albums for U2 and Tom Petty, said that Laine brings a lot of charisma to the stage; and
WHEREAS, results are decided by viewer votes. Fans can vote as many times as they like during the two hours following the show. The contestant with the fewest votes will leave the show each week. Regardless of what happens over the next several months, Skylar Laine's life will never be the same, nor will the lives of her family members; and
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2012, Skylar became the state's first artist to reach "American Idol's Top 10." On March 21, 2012, contestants sang the songs of Billy Joel, and the group was cut to nine. Skylar made the cut. Skylar has shown nerves of steel during her performances. "I just get into the song and give it all I've got. I try not to think that there are 40 million people watching. Most of the time adrenaline kicks in and I don't think of anything but giving it my best"; and
WHEREAS, Skylar Laine closed out "American Idol 2012" on April 5 singing Bette Midler's '80s hit "Wind Beneath My Wings" and this selection showcased her impressive voice range. The judges had great feedback for her after she sang, including "her best performance," "amazing" and "the beginning of a great career." Skylar got a standing ovation, and because of this performance and after the fans voted, she advanced to "American Idol's Top 7"; and
WHEREAS, April 11, 2012, marked the night of the Top 7 on "American Idol," and first up to the stage was country crowd-pleaser Skylar Laine with Kellie Pickler's hit "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You." She easily finished among the Top 4 vote recipients. Before she opened the night with her rockin' country vocals, Skylar was encouraged by a video montage of people back home in Mississippi cheering her on. Skylar took the stage holding her guitar and surrounded by pillars shooting fire. The songstress was very relaxed through the whole song, and she was beginning to separate herself from the competition, with two standout weeks in a row; and
WHEREAS, Skylar is a graduate of Brandon High School. Laine said that she was raised listening to the classic country records of her maternal grandfather, Malcolm Massey. Her favorite singer is Miranda Lambert, whom she saw in concert at the Mississippi Coliseum last October; and
WHEREAS, Laine's family owns Beatty Street Grocery, a 72-year-old establishment in downtown Jackson. Beatty Street Grocery, owned and operated by Skylar's maternal grandparents, Malcolm and Carolyn Massey, and her mom, opened in downtown Jackson in 1940. It began serving sandwiches in 1959 for a dime and soon became one of the city's most popular lunch destinations. As soon as Skylar emerged from the thousands who auditioned for "American Idol," it is no coincidence that Beatty Street Grocery is experiencing a resurgence. Suddenly, the 72-year-old store is a tourist destination; and
WHEREAS, "It's been a long journey," said her mom, Mary Harden. "We're just immeasurably blessed, and we're proud that Skylar has stayed grounded and kept her head about her. Skylar never 'became' a singer, she came into this world a singer"; and
WHEREAS, even with the excitement and opportunity "American Idol" has brought her, Skylar says her mind still drifts back home. "I miss hanging out with my friends at the car wash. I just miss everybody"; and
WHEREAS, when Skylar Laine is sparkling on American Idol, we feel state pride along with just plain happiness for her. In addition to her powerful singing voice, Skylar shows amazing poise under pressure and oozes a sweet, Southern charm. Talent, poise, Southern charm — pretty unbeatable combination; and it is with great pride that we follow the accomplishments of this young "American Idol" who has brought honor to her family and her community, and who has become an Ambassador for the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and salute 18-year-old country rock singing sensation Skylar Laine from Brandon as Mississippi's first artist to reach "American Idol's Top 5," and we extend our best wishes to Skylar and her family for her continued success in the competition and for success in her future music career.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Skylar Laine, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
