It would have been a daunting and nerve shaking task for the most seasoned professional to captivate an audience of fifteen-hundred people, all there to see Barry Manilow’s second to final performance in Las Vegas.
But Saturday night, on Barry’s stage at the Paris, beautiful seventeen year old Malia Civetz’s extraordinary voice and poised stage presence did just that, bringing a well deserved standing ovation for the addition she brought to Barry’s already phenomenal show!
Malia - her name is Hawaiian for Mary - was chosen from hundreds of entries to Barry Manilow’s “15 Minutes of Fame” contest, coinciding with his fabulous, new, original concept album, “15 Minutes” which tells the story of the perils of fame, through the life of a young entertainer who attains his goal, loses it all, and starts the rise up again.
She sang a touching and powerful version of “Out Here On My Own”, with a special arrangement written just for her by Barry and his musical director, Ron Walter’s Jr. Her second number; a jazzy rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “’The Trouble With Love Is”; was also fantastic.
Ever the consummate gentleman, Barry chatted with Malia about her future goals and what music might have been her inspiration, adding a touch of his easy going humor, he asked if it might have been a tall, thin singer who’d inspired her. She laughed agreeing it might have been a guy with the initials B and M, but honestly said it was her Grandfather who was the true inspiration. Barry stood with a look of glowing pride and trusted mentor-ship, before graciously leaving the stage, to fully allow her this time in the spotlight with no distraction.
A high school senior, majoring in musical theater at the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts, Malia has also been involved in vocal jazz since her freshman year. Her mom shares “she’s passionate about music and simply can never get enough, adding music theory and modern music technology to her already full load”.
To her notable credit, Malia is a straight A student with a 4.7 GPA, in spite of a hectic schedule that includes rehearsals, performances - her staggering list of accomplishments can be found on her web-site - charity work, private vocal, piano and dance lessons. Proving when you follow the passion your heart leads you to, nothing is impossible.
Her hope is to attend the University of Southern California Thornton School of music, majoring in their Popular Music Program with a minor in musical theater.
Based on her performance, it’s safe to say this young women has only just begun! The world of entertainment had better prepare for a force to be reckoned with, because Malia is a name that’s going to be heard often in the future. And her accolades will be well deserved.
Wishing you much luck Malia, may your career and life flourish with nothing but the best!