Congratulations to a local young woman who is living the dream.

Saasha Small’s parents realized she had potential to sing at an early age. They are right because continues to advance on “American Idol,” the wildly popular reality TV series on ABC-TV.

While Small, a New Iberia Senior High graduate (Class of 2017) is restricted from revealing how far she advances in the competition, we know “Aname Rose,” the stage name she uses, won the right to advance to Hollywood.

That speaks volumes for the young woman who caught her father’s ear when she was learning to walk.

“She was about 2 or 3 years old,” Sheree Small, her mother, said this past week in a story in The Daily Iberian, “My husband (Kenyatta) said, ‘Baby, I think that Saasha can actually sing,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, right.’ ”

Saasha’s talent developed. Her mother was overjoyed and proud when she heard the girl sing as a second-grader in a Black History Month program. The youngster’s voice also impressed teachers and her fellow students, Sheree Small said.

The Loyola University student who is majoring in music overcame some constructive criticism from one of the “American Idol” judges, well-known entertainer Lionel Richie, during a tryout. She returned home determined to improve.

“He basically felt like there was more that I could learn and that I needed experience,” she said.

Saasha Small began singing for nonprofit organizations and other groups. Two months later and she was on her way to Hollywood.

“I can’t say which performance it was yet but it was what I think my best. They (the judges) just looked happy — like they just saw a great performance,” she said.

Apparently, many more great performance are in the future for the rising star.

Her mother couldn’t be happier.

“I am so proud of her that she’s gotten to this level that she’s been striving for through all her singing career. To actually see her on TV is phenomenal,” Sheree Small said.

Ditto for a proud community. 

DON SHOOPMAN

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR