Sophomore Skylar Rutherford began her music career by playing piano and singing in her basement three years ago. Recently, she became the 2023 talent show winner.

“It was great to watch her bring herself out when it came to not only her skills but her personality as well. She expressed herself very well through a song, and it’s inspiring to see an artist do something like that all in front of a crowd,” senior Dylan Gallo said.

Rutherford performed at the talent show on Friday, March 3. Out of 16 acts, Rutherford placed first with her song “Love in October”. Rutherford began writing the song in October 2021 and just recently finished it in January 2023.

“I wrote the song about falling in love. I had just got out of a bad relationship and wanted to focus on my music again,” Rutherford said.

When Rutherford walked into the school that night, she did not expect to win the talent show.

“It was definitely a surprise [to win] because I walked in there as a sophomore. It’s my first talent show ever. I couldn’t believe it happened, but it was really cool,” Rutherford said.

Even though the judges thought her performance was the best, Rutherford did not feel that way while performing.

“I was scared while performing. I actually messed up in the beginning. But then, I just closed my eyes and I kept on performing. It eventually worked out in the end,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford decided to start playing piano three years ago because of her grandfather .

“My pap plays piano, and he always wanted me to get involved with it. One day he just taught me a song, and then it kind of just clicked,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford hopes to continue writing and performing music for the rest of her life.

“I definitely want to continue with music. I want to be either a music composer or producer,” Rutherford said.

Rutherfords’ music teacher, Kelly Sipes, encourages Rutherford to continue her music career.

“She is a great singer with the potential to go far. She has a great ear, the ability to harmonize and can read music – so really, she’s a triple threat,” Sipes said.

Sipes heard Rutherford perform and instantly saw her potential.

“I first heard Sky sing on social media when the junior high choral director posted an original song Sky had written. It was really good. I didn’t hear her again until she auditioned for the vocal ensemble,” Sipes said.

Sipes feels the addition of piano playing to Rutherfords’ skills has improved her music greatly.

“She [Rutherford] has been writing music for quite some time and more recently, learned how to play the piano to accompany herself. Her future is very promising,” Sipes said.