Virginia woman takes aim at Hollywood on ‘American Idol’

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- "American Idol" returns to screens nationwide this weekend, and one local talent is ready to shine.

Grayson Torrence, 21, of New Kent County, is hoping to bring her hometown charm to Hollywood, with her lungs set on a golden ticket.

Grayson Torrence's life has been a soundtrack of her own making, from school talent shows to singing in her bedroom, it's fueled her lifelong dream to perform on the hit television show.

"I grew up watching American Idol, so, basically, my entire life I was like, 'I want to be there,'" Torrence said.

A dream as big as her voice is now becoming a reality.

On Sunday, March 16, America will watch Torrence perform in front of celebrity judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Riche with the hope of leaving with a golden ticket in hand.

Despite pre-audition nerves, the pop singer showcased her personality and musical talent.

"I was super nervous, but I was very, very excited for the opportunity," she said. "I was just hoping that I could choose the right song for it and that I could put as much of my personality into my audition as possible."

Torrence credits her family as her support system throughout the journey.

"I have the most supportive parents and supportive family in the entire world," Torrence said. "We have been through some struggles. But no matter what, they're like, 'Okay, you need this. We're going to get it for you. You want to go here, we're going to do that.'"

That support is mirrored by her hometown of Providence Forge.

"It just means a lot to me that I have such a great community behind me," Torrence expressed. "My mom has shown me all of the kind words that they [community members] have said."

Beyond her own dream, Torrence hopes to inspire others, just as she's been inspired by past American Idol contestants.

"I hope I can be that person for somebody else," she said. "They can find comfort in me and know that, 'Hey, I'm not going through this alone. She wrote a song about it. She knows me.' I want that connection with people."

Grayson Torrence's performance on American Idol airs on Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m., on ABC Channel 8.