A Midland teen is preparing for the national stage. She is heading to Dallas to audition for The Voice next month.

MIDLAND, TX (KWES) - A Midland teen is preparing for the national stage. She is heading to Dallas to audition for The Voice next month.



She's been singing since the age of eight.

"I've performed for the Rockhounds singing the national anthem. I've performed for the Roughnecks football game," said Kahealoni Young, 16.

Young is sophomore at Midland High. She's only 16, but her voice sounds much older.

"I think she was just singing around the house and I was like, 'Hmm, she can really sing. I didn't really do anything with it," said Anna Catano Thomas, Loni's mother.

Loni learned to sing on her own with no professional training. She auditioned for America's Got Talent at the age of 12, but ultimately she decided to hold out on the national competitions and instead competed locally, until now.

"They've always told me I got something and I can do something with it," said Loni.

Loni says she got this far from believing in herself and all the support from her family and friends.

"You always have to believe in yourself. You always have to tell yourself that you are good enough. Don't ever doubt yourself because doubt will make you hold back," said Loni.