Talina
Suffern High School
Honoree: Talina
Age: 14
Type of Artist: Vocalist
Name of School or Center: Suffern High School
Bio:
Talina could be heard singing around the house for hours on end beginning around age 5. At age 10 however, her dad realized that she had a special talent when she was able to call out the key of any song within seconds of hearing it. When it comes to music, Talina has been blessed with perfect pitch, a soulful & rocking singing voice, plays several instruments and has become quite the accomplished song writer. If that’s not enough, she was diagnosed with autism at age two and a half and has never looked back.
Talina started off her professional career with a bang in 2010 performing on New Year’s Eve for ABC in Times Square Studios where she also had the opportunity to meet one of her favorite celebrities, Ryan Seacrest. It was easy to forget that she was only 11 years old for this performance as she displayed the power, dynamics and vocal range that are rarely seen in a child her age.
Talina was in the Hollywood spot light on April 11, 2010 when she walked the red carpet and performed a few songs while opening for headline entertainment at a Hollyrod Foundation, Holly Robinson Peete event at Culver Studios, CA. She started to realize that as a role model, she could make a difference for other children with autism and their families. This was a turning point for Talina.
In May 2010, Talina performed and received The Inspiration Award from The McCarton Foundation at Cipriani’s on Wall Street, NY. A few months later Talina recorded her first single called “Thank You” and made her television debut singing this single on the main stage of the Columbus Day Parade, which was shown live on NBC TV.
After another fantastic performance for ABC on New Year’s Eve 2011, Talina was one of 13 Honorees recognized at the Genius of Autism at Carnegie Hall a week later. Film star Laura Linney introduced her by reading highlights from her bio and a letter written to Talina by Alicia Keys. Talina brought the house down on one of the world’s most famous stages.
Talina’s 2011 single, “Dance From the Heart” hit #1 on The Independent Music Network (IMN) and was a Top 5 Hit on New Music Weekly’s Hot 100 Singles chart. In addition, Talina was awarded (IMN) 2011 Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
On March 11, 2011 Talina was inspired to write a song called “I’ll Be There For You” hours after the Earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan. This song is featured in the Documentary, Surviving Japan which is currently being screened all around the world.
More and more Talina’s style is being compared to a young Adele. Talina’s voice is intriguing, unique and emotional. Her soulful songwriting truly captures the essence of her life’s experiences.
In the fall of 2012 Talina begins her national anti bullying campaign featuring her latest single, “Just Be Nice” . Don’t be surprised if you hear about Talina performing at a school near you. Talina is trying to change the world, “One Song at a Time!”.