At 9 years old, Jackie Evancho has lots of plans for her future: become a veterinarian, save endangered baby seals, make the world a better place, compose music and be a famous singer.
Most kids have such a list of varied career aspirations, but in Jackie's case, one of her more far-fetched hopes -- being a famous singer -- might be the most probable.
Jackie, a fourth-grader in the Pine-Richland School District, has already performed with well-known composers such as David Foster. In December, she will sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and on April 5, she will perform the national anthem at the Pittsburgh Pirates' home opener.
While she admitted that she's not much of a baseball fan, she is thrilled to sing before what is usually a sellout crowd.
"I love singing for people," said Jackie, who auditioned for the opportunity. She said she even likes the feeling of being nervous because it means she's singing for an audience. "I'm crazy about the [nervous] butterflies, they feel good. I love the roar of the crowd when I'm done. That makes me feel so special."
Jackie began singing two years ago after seeing the movie version of the "Phantom of the Opera."
"Me and my mom watched it and we really liked it," Jackie recalled. "After we watched it, I sang songs from it around the house."
Jackie's mom took notice.
"I heard her singing and I was shocked," said Lisa Evancho, adding that while musical talent runs in the family, most family members play an instrument rather than sing. "She sounded really good."
When Jackie continued to sing, the family decided to enter her in the Kean Idol contest sponoserd by St. Barnabas Health System. The contest pits local talent against one another.
Jackie, who sang songs from "Phantom of the Opera," snagged the first runner-up spot her first year, losing to a singer more than twice her age. In last year's competition, she again was named first runner-up, losing to an adult.
After the first Kean Idol contest, she was hooked on performing. Her parents started to receive requests for Jackie to sing at various local events, such as the St. Barnabas Founder's Day celebration and the memorial service for those who died in the Flight 93 crash on Sept. 11, 2001, near Shanksville.
Soon, Jackie was traveling around the country to sing in talent contests. At one contest, she met and performed with Mr. Foster, who is known for nurturing the careers of singers such as Celine Dion and Josh Groban.
Jackie started taking weekly voice lessons, which are especially needed for young voices to prevent children from forming bad habits and possibly causing permanent damage to their vocal cords.
During the past two years, Jackie has found her voice is best suited for the type of music known as "classical crossover," which typically allows classically trained singers with big, almost operatic voices to sing songs in a more contemporary style.
"I like a lot of different music," said Jackie, who also takes violin lessons and can play the piano and guitar by ear. "But classical crossover is the voice God gave me."
Jackie's parents are determined to make sure singing doesn't prevent her from having a normal childhood. They also don't want it to keep her away from her sister and two brothers.
To be able to travel, she must maintain her grades in school, where her favorites subjects include spelling and history.
While she loves singing and being on stage, Jackie admitted she doesn't always like the work it requires out of the spotlight.
"I'm supposed to practice three days a week, but sometimes I don't like practice. It gets on my nerves," she said.
Despite her lack of enthusiasm for practicing, Jackie hopes to be a famous singer when she's older.
With the release of a CD showcasing her voice, a website sharing her story and videos on YouTube that show her performing, she is already capturing fans. With local and national shows this year, including a show with composer Tim Janis, who has worked with the likes of Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and Ray Charles, she hopes more people like her voice.
"I can't wait," Jackie said of her plans. "I think it will be so much fun. ... When I'm on stage, well, at first I'm terribly nervous, but then I get used to it and it's fun. I love it."
First Published: March 25, 2010, 2:00 p.m.
