Student Features

Rising singer Gabby Barrett wows audiences with her voice

Gabby Barrett was destined to sing.

Her father recognized his daughter had talent when she was just 9 years old. At 14, Blasé Barrett encouraged Gabby to join an all-black gospel choir.

It happened one day while the two were walking to get exercise, and came across a group of women from a church choir in Pittsburgh's Homestead neighborhood.

"I noticed the group of ladies were exercising and singing," Blasé Barrett said. "I challenged them to a race up and down the steps just for fun."

Having a good time, Blasé Barrett told the singing women his daughter could sing, too. Gabby sang a few notes and was invited to their church, where she met with the pastor of Lamb of God. He wanted to hear her voice, so she belted out a rendition of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror."

"He was blown away," her dad said.

"He stopped me and said, 'oh girl, you can sing, sing,'" Gabby of Munhall said. "That's where it all started."

The PA Cyber student's career is soaring as high as her voice, a style that best resembles country entertainer Carrie Underwood. Gabby, who turned 17 in March, is currently recording an opening song for a major television show, and recently spent time in Nashville writing and recording with some big Nashville names.

"I'm not allowed to say who," she said, with a laugh.

This has been a busy year for the talented teen, whose dad now manages her career. She performed at the Pittsburgh Pirates' home opener in April, and has sung the national anthem for The Pittsburgh Steelers and at the Daytona 500. She sold out Stage AE, a Pittsburgh concert venue, twice with country artist Cole Swindell and opened for country crooner Toby Keith in Ohio. She has also been featured on Froggy Radio, Pittsburgh's country variety station, and travels throughout the country doing shows.

Root Sports features Gabby's song and video "Friday Night" every Pittsburgh Pirates game. Her song "Young Blood" has been featured in a Journeys shoes commercial. She has a CD called "16" available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify, plus several other cover songs. She recently released a new video for her new song, "Drinkin' from Rose Colored Glass."

She has been offered to be on NBC's "The Voice," but turned it down because the contract was for seven years.

On Aug. 28, American Idol is flying Gabby to California to offer her a spot on the New American Idol. She has also been invited to be on NBC's new show, "The Playlist."

Gabby enrolled in PA Cyber this year because she travels so much. Her sister and brother are also both enrolled in PA Cyber so they can travel with her.

"Everyone at PA Cyber has been super supportive," Gabby said. "I have met some amazing people that have helped me live my dreams."

Gabby plans to move to Nashville to pursue her singing career as soon as she graduates next year.

"Maybe someday I can put on a performance for everyone at PA Cyber," she said.