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LaGrange local Kitty Key has been visiting Pigeon Forge for years and now is a finalist to win a contest focused around the city.  

Key is a finalist in the Pigeon Forge Path to Fame Virtual Talent Competition grand champion. 

The competition’s grand champion will win a year of monthly consultations with the Nashville-based talent executive who discovered Grammy nominated artist Kelsea Ballerini. Also, the winner will receive a virtual consultation with country artist and Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan. Professional photography and videography sessions, media training and introductions to other entertainment industry executives complete the grand prize package which includes tools to help the winner advance their career.

Key, 20, performed “Carried Me With You” to secure her place in the finals. 

“I sent in an audition video,” Key said. 

“I found the auditions actually on the Pigeon Forge Facebook page. I found out that I made it into the finalists round, and so now what I have to do is create another video of me singing a performance.” 

Key said as far back as she can remember her family has spent every Thanksgiving at Pigeon Forge.

One of six siblings, Key will soon begin her junior year on a performing arts scholarship at Point Park University where she is pursuing a fine arts degree. Key shifted her focus to singing in elementary school after getting injured  while cheerleading.  

Key’s musical influences include Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris and Cam.

“One thing that I appreciate about Path to Fame is that they understand that everyone is being hit hard by COVID,” Key said. “They know the performers are also affected by it. They’re trying to give opportunities for the Pigeon Forge theatre community and also the performers there and performers online.”

The 16 finalists will know by Oct. 26 whether they won or not. 

“I was extremely excited when I found out I was a finalist,” Key said. “There’s not as many opportunities right now for competitions for performers and everything is virtual. I didn’t really know what to expect from it all. Everything that they’re doing for the performer that possibly wins the competition is amazing because it’s creating connections for that performer and helping like build their path to fame.” 

Key said her finalist entry will have a fun beat and be country. 

“I’s gonna be fun, possibly some red and maybe some sequins thrown in there,” Key said. 

“I am going to film it in a really cool location that I found in Pittsburgh with some of my cinema-major friends here at my school.”