'Live' with Audra McLaughlin

In this racket, you get used to people forgetting where they came from once they get a little taste of success.

Phone calls don't get returned. Requests for interviews are ignored. They no longer "need" you now that they've made the big time.

That's why I was wondering exactly what was waiting for me as I walked into the Let There Be Rock School in Ridley last night.

We were there to do our "Live From the Newsroom" show with none other than one of their star pupils, Audra McLaughlin.

You've probably heard of her. She's a Delco native who grew up in Glenolden, and this spring rocketed to national fame with a knockout performance on the NBC reality show 'The Voice.'

What I discovered is a totally enchanting young lady who clearly has not been affected in the least despite getting a big gulp of fame.

Audra McLaughlin could not have been nicer. She's been on national TV, as well as all the local TV stations. She certainly didn't have to do our makeshift live-stream weekly Internet show, but she seemed genuinely happy to do it. Some of that may have something to do with her surroundings. Audra is a proud product of the Let There Be Rock School, and isn't shy about telling you about it.

Melissa Daley, who owns the business along with her husband, Joe, gave us a tour of the facilities before the show and then sat in with us to talk about her star pupil. Melissa is Audra's voice coach, and talked about the dedication this Delco kid showed in persevering through the grueling auditions and then weeks of sessions needed for 'The Voice.'

Audra will be performing this weekend at the YachtStock River Jam festival in Tinicum, which this year will benefit little Noah Lamey of Norwood, who recently received a heart transplant, as well as Shriners Hospital in Philly.

Then on Sunday she and some other Let There Be Rock School students will be performing at the special 11th anniversary celebration at Barnaby's on MacDade Boulevard.

Audra was joined by Brian Hannon, front man for the band Philbilly, which often plays with Audra, to give us a little glimpse of Audra's talent.

My thanks to Audra, Melissa, Joe, Brian and everyone at the Let There Be Rock School for a great night. If you missed the live-stream, you can catch the replay here.

One man's prediction: Audra McLaughlin is going to be a star. And one that Delco can be proud of, and maybe more importantly, one who remembers where she came from.

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