Tarralyn’s Story It’s Sunday morning in Melbourne, Florida, at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and Sunday morning service has concluded. As the congregation begins to exit the church, one little member makes her way up the stairs and decides that it’s her time and turn to sing a song. Though only two years old and unable to really reach the microphone, she pulls down the microphone stand which causes the microphone to fall close enough for her to reach it and begins to sing, “Ughhhh, ughhhh, ohhhhh, ohhhh” in her little powerful voice. To all who witnessed this little performance in amazement, there was no doubt that Tarralyn Ramsey was going to be a singer. In the years that would follow she would perfect her craft of singing at church, talent shows, school, community events and virtually any place that they would give her a microphone. All of this practice paid off at the tender age of thirteen years old when she signed a recording deal with Verity Records/Zomba Music, which was one of the most sought after gospel record companies in the business. While being signed to Verity, she worked with some of gospel music’s finest, such as Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Della Reese of Touch by an Angel, NBA star and Jazz musician Wayman Tisdale and many more. She performed for many events, churches, as well as, nationally and internationally known ministers such as Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Carlton Pierson, Bishop Noel Jones and many others. She released her self-titled album in 2000 and it spawned the breakout hits “Tell It” and “Unconditional Love”. Tarralyn was nominated for several stellar awards and peaked the gospel charts at number 7. After being signed to Verity for several years, she moved on in her career and in 2003 entered the VH1 Born to Diva competition. She was announced the winner by Queen Latifah and Sharon Osbourne. It was clear that Tarralyn was on her way. She signed with Casablanca/Universal records under former Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola. This venture afforded Tarralyn many mainstream opportunities which included performing at the MGM Grand, sharing the stage with such great artists as Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Pat Benetar, Lisa Marie Presley, Stevie Wonder and Ashanti. She has appeared on Entertainment Tonight and has been featured in magazines such as Vibe, Ebony, Jet, People, Seventeen and others. Tarralyn toured with Mary J. Blige on her “No More Drama Tour” and Seventeen Magazine, Pantene’s “Total You” tour, “The BET College Tour” and many others. Tarralyn has performed at Rocket Nation, Carnegie Hall and many other notable performance venues. Tarralyn released an album under Casablanca records that charted on the Billboard pop charts. Tarralyn was later released from her contract and was once again in the pursuit of fulfilling a life-long dream and a calling to sing and spread hope through her music. In 2009, by invitation, Tarralyn was the first contestant on the new show called “The Voice”. She graced the stage and performed Faith Hill’s “Breathe” and made it all her own. She was chosen to be on Christina Aguilera’s team. Unfortunately, winning was not to be her fate or destiny and Tarralyn was sent home during the battle rounds. However, not giving up on her dream, in that same year of 2009, Tarralyn released her own independent gospel album entitled “Beyond the Darkness “ which did relatively well entering the Billboard charts at number 15. With the encouragement of friends in 2012 Tarralyn auditioned for the X factor and wowed judges Simon Cowell, LA Reid, Brittany Spears and Demi Lovato and got a “yes” to move on in the competition. Simon said, “Where’ve you been hiding? That was incredible…. You have a sensational voice….amazing”, and Demi Lovato said, “You have one of the best voices I have heard in my entire life…I got chills on my arms and legs.” Brittany Spears had tears and LA Reid said that Tarralyn was “cut from the same cloth as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston”. Despite the accolades and 4 absolute “yeses” and without explanation, she was not invited to bootcamp. Now Tarralyn the singer, songwriter, producer and arranger has partnered with an independent company and is once again working on her music. The journey, tenacity and endurance of this woman to keep pushing for your dreams despite how many times you get knocked down will inspire us all to always “ Believe”.