Locals hope to replace Reba - briefly

The city of Stars was represented this morning on the Danny and Dru Morning radio show as two local women, participating in a contest on 105.7 KYKX, sang live and on-air.

The two are trying to win a place on stage Saturday night in Henderson with Linda Davis, Carthage-born country singer, to perform the duet, "Does He Love You."

Tonyah Nichols and Teresa Roberts, both of Kilgore, competed this morning against each other and Keri Johnson of Hallsville. The three women all aspire to fill the shoes of country singer Reba McEntire and sing her part of the award-winning duet.

Nichols is a local florist. She owns and operates Kilgore's 'An Elegant Touch' and can be found in her shop singing on any given day.

"I love to sing," Nichols said. "It's 'me time' and at times it has been a true lifesaver."

Nichols began singing in choir. After high school she didn't sing much until she discovered karaoke.

"Karaoke is not just singing to words on a screen, it's a lifestyle," she said. "I have met so many people and made so many friends. Singing is something we all have in common."

Since getting into Karaoke, Nichols has been asked to sing in public events - most recently, Star Fest in Lonestar.

Nichols was the winner of Clear Channel Radio Stations' competition in 2004 and is optimistic about this morning's performance. She is flattered by compliments she has received. "Dru Tyler called me from

the Danny and Dru Show and told me I was a finalist," she said. "I placed my hand over my mouth and started to cry as he told me 'don't change a thing about your performance, Linda liked your style.'"

Teresa Roberts is the mother of four and an accounting student at Kilgore College. She heard about the contest and never even considered calling in until receiving what she calls a threatening phone call from Penny Oswalt, her stepmother.

"I wasn't going to do it," Roberts said. "Then my stepmom called me and told me if I didn't call in she would come over here and hurt me. Now, I know she's not going to hurt me, but her threat was proof of her confidence in me and just what I needed to hear, so I called in."

Roberts began singing in elementary school, participating in talent shows and

singing in Jefferson at the Mardi Gras celebration with the Jefferson Junior Historians. At 16, Roberts went to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to sing and make a video.

As an adult, she has appeared on the stage of the Gladewater Oprey and, prior to setting up her own karaoke operation, she ran Karaoke nights at McCann Street Grill in longview.

Roberts is laid back about the competition although she is hopeful for a victory.

"I am going to get up, go over there and record this thing," she said. "Then I have to get to class."

Roberts says she is as prepared, nervous and honored to have been chosen.

Results of the on-line poll will be announced Thursday on the Danny and Dru Show.

To listen to the contestants and vote go to www.kykx.com.