Tia Douglass: Baltimore Idol Winner 2010 by Kamah Scott

While speaking with the spunky Tia Douglass who is the winner of Baltimore Idol 2010 you will find her to be funny, humble, outspoken but over all, a talented singer hailing from Baltimore City Maryland. The petite songstress packs a huge punch when it comes to belting out melodies. She’s the type of artist that brings listeners to tears with her convicting and emotional vocals. When describing her vocal style and what she brings to her audience, Tia says “I’m an artist that gives her all and is very much into the song that I’m singing. The majority of the songs that I sing is very much heart felt.”

Rightfully, heartfelt is a perfect description as Tia’s inspiration is Gospel. She loves to sing powerful spiritual music and mixes it up with R&B and Jazz. I’m so glad to haved interviewed this rising star. Here are her reponses to my questions about her inspirations and her career.

What inspired you to initially sing?

Tia: What inspired me to sing is my family and friends. When I was young I say at the age of nine or ten years old there was this Pastor, named Pastor Thomas. He would always have me sing “I Love you Lord” all the time. He would get so excited. He told my aunt that he saw something in me far more greater. He said that he saw something in me in which I didn’t see at the time.

Tia is motivated by the lyrics of her song choices. She also gets motivation from the support of her friends and family. As a youngster growing up she describes herself as a tom boy who was brought up in the church singing with the choir and also doing solos at a very young age.

When asked how she characterizes herself when it comes to music, Tia reflects for just a moment. “Strong and heartfelt, sometimes I surprise myself when I hit a certain key.” Confident yet humble Tia takes her musical talents very seriously.

“The greatest risk I’ve taken was traveling to Seoul, Korea for a whole month, to sing for the troops.” That confidence and steadfast faith in her talent has brought her further in leading her to a hopeful career in music.

Who have you had the opportunity to work with or see live?

Tia: I had the opportunity to be on the Today Show, as one of the top 5 contestants to sing with Jennifer Hudson in New York City last March of 2009. I also had the opportunity to audition for Effie of Dream Girls on Broadway last April of 2009, and also to see Vikki Winans about ten years ago. She was a judge on a Gospel competition my former church participated in now.

If you could have anything else in the world what would it be?

Tia: It would be to sing full time so that my mom wouldn’t have to work. Tia is currently seeking management although the woman who has helped her become the person she is today is her mother. “I have no manager or agent but my mother is my biggest supporter and fan.” With her mother in her corner, she will continue to do great things.

That’s amazing, there you were singing with An American Idol , now you’ve just won, Baltimore’s Idol Competition and a recording deal.

What was your first memory as a performer?

Tia: I remember singing in elementary school in a Cinderella play. I was singing so loud I was over singing the kids. The teacher’s there were so supportive of me.

Do you feel pressure to diet, or is that not as much of an issue as people make it out to be?

Tia: I do feel the pressure to keep my weight down because in this industry if you don’t look or sound the part your chances of making it is slim.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tia: I see myself in 5 years singing full time and making hits, but if that doesn’t work then continue to pursue my career in nursing.

What’s your greatest performance?

Tia: My greatest performance was auditioning for Effie of Dream Girls. Those producer’s mouths dropped and couldn’t believe all of that came out of me. I had a second call back, but even though I didn’t get the part it was a great experience.

Can you give our readers any tips for overcoming rejection and achieving success?

Tia: Praying and never giving up.

Is it better to send a couple of pictures to a big talent agencies like in New York / Los Angeles, or is it better to just see a small local talent shows?

Tia: Both, the better chances of you getting out there.

Choose any 3 words to describe yourself.

Tia: Determined, Versatile, Humble

Judging from the interview, everyone can see that Tia Douglass is exactly just that; determined, versatile, and humble. We would also like to add amazing and talented. Congratulations on your Baltimore Idol win and all the success in your future.

© 2010 – 2017, Shalena D.I.V.A. – Personal Branding| Content Marketing| Product Creation. All rights reserved.

19 Comments

  1. ShalenaD.I.V.A on August 17, 2010 at 10:10 am

    Tia, you are the bomb! I can’t wait to se you perform live. Your story of courage and faith truly inspired me to keep reachign for my goals. I’m so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your story.

    • micki roberts on August 17, 2010 at 1:02 pm

      Excellent Job and TRUST GOD

      • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 2:43 pm

        Thank you so much micki I sure do!! All things are possible, Iam a believer

  2. Tia Singbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Thank you so much ladies I really do appreciate this. Such a wonderful blessing to know that I’ve done something positive in my life using what God has giving me. I’m also on you tube, on there is a video of the contest. I was so humble, crying and caught up in the song I missed a view notes but as my mother had said “Girl when you are feeling it at times you won’t hit every key” Im under Tia Songbird Douglass 2 videos one with a video of me singing and the other you can hear me but no video. But bless everyone!!!

    • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 10:57 am

      Thats Tia Songbird Douglass, thanks again ladies.

      • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 1:08 pm

        I have previously wrote that I have a you tube Tia Songbird Douglass. I wasn’t going to post the video because I was so emotional through out the song I got caught up and started crying and was off key, but as my mother told me, when you are that emotional sometimes you won’t hit everyone note. Thank you again ladies.

        • ShalenaD.I.V.A on August 17, 2010 at 2:19 pm

          Tia, I just listened to your version of “I am Changing” and it made me cry because it was so heartfelt. I could feel your honesty in that song. Girl, keep letting God use your powerful voice because it can help liberate someone. It truly encouraged me to run on and see what the end is going to be like. That’s what my mother used to always tell me. Forget the past, let’s move forward! Girl, I’m still messed up from hearing you sing that song. I’m going to listen again and cry agin and be encouraged again.

          Thanks!

          • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 2:44 pm

            Awww thank you Shalena you are about to make me cry 😉

            • ShalenaD.I.V.A on August 17, 2010 at 3:02 pm

              Tia, how does it feel to win something as big as Baltimore Idol? How did you feel the moment your name was announced? Why did you chose “I am Changing”? I can tell that you meant that.

              • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 3:38 pm

                Well I couldn’t believe it I cried once again because I really wanted it that bad. It wasn’t about the money, opening up for Roy Ayers or a recording contract it was about, Lord I finally gave my all and touched someone. Like I said during the interview I did not know I had a gift that would touch or make someone cry in a good way. I’m finally realizing what my calling is. It took 32 years to realize where the father wants me to be. I chose this song because Ive been through so many obstacles in my life that God has changed me, even though Im still in transition I came along way of what I use to be. Singing makes me even more humble and appreciative of many things in life. Im truly not going to take my voice for granted, no more shying away from singing, I finally found my purpose.

                • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 3:41 pm

                  Oh and my mother is now my manager lol had to put that out there lol

                • ShalenaD.I.V.A on August 17, 2010 at 4:01 pm

                  Tia, I totally feel you on finally finding your purpose in life. Believe it or not, you’re on schedule because most people don’t get it together until they’re 40, so you’re ahead of the ballgame! You are proof that my D.I.V.A way of life works and is sound. I believe that women should evlop, invest, value and appreciate their God-given talents because those talents are linked to and the foundation to our purpose in life. When you use those talents and gifts, life’s much easier and more fulfilling becaue we are giving God a return on his investment in us. Only you can sing the songs you sing and evoke the kind of emotions that you do because God intended it to be that way. I, too, am embracing my gift of writing, teaching and sharing with others. Those are my talents. I believe that when we embrace our gifts and develop them, we acquire new ones. Please read the D.I.V.A Creed when you get a chance. It lays out my beliefs.

                  • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 10:49 pm

                    Thank you Shalena!!! I sure will, also its a pleasure working with Vaughan Mason he is really teaching me alot about what is going on out there in the industry. A wonderful man to be working with, that is such a blessing. I can say that any bookings can be made through him, my God that sounds good. 😉

  3. jean campbell on August 17, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    I am very proud of my niece, it’s her time to shine!

    • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you my future chaplain on the road!!!

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on August 17, 2010 at 3:01 pm

      Ms. Jean, what that you all up in the background about to go to church when Tia was singing–LOL! I loved it!

      • Tia Songbird Douglass on August 17, 2010 at 3:39 pm

        That was my mom lol!! you here lol

  4. Tia Songbird Douglass on November 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    tweet me on songbird_1977 thanks again Shalena

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