EVERETT — Maybe you heard Jayden Terry-Olson, 10, sing the national anthem at an AquaSox game or the Washington State Fair.
She’ll be singing it again today at her school, Penny Creek Elementary, for the Veterans Day assembly.
She has been performing since she was a toddler. She’s active in KidStage at Village Theatre, where she was the wicked stepmother in a Cinderella summer camp and a milkmaid in “Beauty and the Beast.”
“There are a lot of talented kids learning about theater there,” Jayden said.
Her parents are JR and MeLitta Olson. She has a little sister, Elise, who is “a year-and-a-half and is pretty funny and very busy,” she said. “We have a boxer named Cori that is also busy.”
What are you wearing?
My Seahawks jersey.
Three things in your singing toolkit?
My awesome voice coach, my “learning lyrics super power” and my love for show tunes.
Who would you most like to share a stage with?
Michelle Obama or Katy Perry.
How did you get started in show biz?
My Nana (grandmother Karen-Ann Olson) thought I had a voice so we visited a voice teacher and she said, “Yep!”
My grandma and aunt got me involved in a couple of classes at KidStage when I was in preschool. Then I started taking singing lessons. I love to sing but not so much the practicing part. I tend to be a belter, which is kind of loud. It’s pretty good for pop which I like to sing.
What do you want people to know about you?
I’m a Husky fan. I hear I may have the opportunity to earn a degree in musical theater from the UW some day.
What’s the funniest or craziest or best thing anybody ever said to you?
I love you.
People would be shocked to know …
I haven’t really gotten nervous when performing but I do get excited.
What’s your most proud moment?
Singing at Benaroya Hall. A year and a half ago I auditioned and was one of three to sing and dance with Alex Boyé along with my new, crazy talented friend Bryan.
Most embarrassing moment?
When I called my teacher “Mom.”
What’s your earliest memory?
I got stuck in the slide at Chuck E. Cheese. Not good.
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
I’d like to be on “The Voice.” REALLY BAD!!!
In 10 years?
On Broadway and Vevo on YouTube.
What would you like to do if you were the ruler of the world?
I would build a homeless shelter next to my house for people that are less fortunate than me. I would give them good food and nice clothing to wear made out of the most comfortable fabric in the world. I would love the people just as much as if they were family, because everybody needs to be treated right to survive. I would stop all of the bullying.
One thing you (and others) wish you’d stop doing/saying?
Biting my nails.
Pet peeve:
People who brag and show off.
Guilty pleasure:
Brussel sprouts.
Favorite class:
Art. I love to draw and color.
?Favorite singer and why:
?Katy Perry, because she’s positive.
Who are your heroes?
My family.
Anything else we should know about you?
I’m crazy about llamas. I’d love to have one someday.
— Andrea Brown, Herald writer
Do you know someone we should get to know better? Send suggestions to abrown@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3443.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
