Ashley Ballard

They were on their feet, hundreds of people including the President and Vice President of the United States. The sound of the applause was deafening to 9-year old Ashley Ballard. She had just finished singing The Star Spangled Banner. Ashley was shocked and a little embarrassed. Then, President Clinton walked to the front of the stage, reaching out to shake AshleyÆs hand. "I canÆt believe this is happening," she said to herself, "IÆm shaking the PresidentÆs hand." ThatÆs when President Clinton said, "You have one of the most beautiful voices IÆve ever heard." "Thank you," Ashley said shyly. She then ran backstage to tell her little sister what just happened.

Welcome to the world of Ashley Ballard. For the past 10 years Ashley has headlined with some of the biggest names in the music industry, entertained world leaders and celebrities, and sheÆs only 14!

Ashley captured peopleÆs attention the first time she belted out her ABCÆs at age 3. This first performance was quickly followed by others and soon Ashley was on her way to stardom. Her first outdoor performance came at age 5. A year later she was a contestant on Star Search. By age 9 Ashley was sharing the stage with such music greats as James Brown. SheÆs sung, not once, but twice for the President in Washington, D.C. By the time Ashley was 12, she had a recording contract. Atlantic Records signed the Mission Viejo, California 7th grader. For the past year and a half, sheÆs been working hard to complete her first album scheduled for release in the spring of 2000.

Ashley is currently working with the hottest producers in the world of music today. To prepare for her first album, Ashley has recorded over 35 demos. "ItÆs a lot of work, but once I get into the studio, I just sing and it isnÆt work anymore." Ashley recorded a single on the new Pokemon album. "It was You" was produced by Rodney Jerkins. "I really enjoyed making the song," says Ashley. "All the guys at the studio were crazy and they made it really fun. I really love the song." Other producers Ashley is currently working with include David Foster (Celine Dion, Whitney Houston), Elliott Kennedy (Spice Girls), and Narada Michael Walden (Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston).

Besides recording, Ashley has signed a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models in New York. Her first photo shoot is already scheduled. But music is AshleyÆs first love. "Sometimes I stop and think about everything that is happening and I donÆt believe it. But itÆs really fun and I canÆt wait to finish my first album."

Ashley is a singerÆs singer. From blues to classics, R&B, gospel, pop and ballads. AshleyÆs voice lends a special quality to every song. When people hear Ashley for the first time, they never forget the incredible feeling they experience when listening to her voice. SheÆs been compared to some of pop musicÆs leading ladiesàCeline Dion Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Cher. Like her singing, Ashley loves music, all kinds of music. She listens to a variety of artists, "depending on my mood," says Ashley. Some of her favorites: Tori Amos, Alanis Morisette, Celine Dion, Madonna, Rosemary Clooney, T.L.C., Usher, Lauren Hill, Will Smith, Janet Jackson, Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain. "There are more," Ashley says with a grin, "but thatÆs a good start!"

Ashley doesnÆt set goals for herself. "I donÆt want to be disappointed if I donÆt reach them" she says. "Instead I dream of the day when people are singing along with me on the radio and know the artist is Ashley Ballard."

Ashley Ballard, a Southern California native had an early start -- she began singing when she was only two years old and had her first live performance at age five. At age seven, she opened up for the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown at a local county fair and appeared as a contestant on the popular U.S. television show Star Search (she went on to win three times). Ashley made her recording debut in 1999 with "It Was You," her contribution to the RIAA-certified double-platinum soundtrack to "Pokemon: The First Movie."

At the age of 15 she released her debut album, named Get in the Booth, which features production by Rodney Jerkins (Destiny's Child, Brandy, Jennifer Lopez), Elliot Kennedy (Spice Girls, Boyzone) and the legendary David Foster. The first single, "Hottie," received tremendous airplay and radio was set to propel this starlet to superstardom. ~ Paul Clifford, All Music Guide