Saasha Small of New Iberia has grown accustomed to hearing applause and posing for photos.

Small, who goes by the stage name Aname Rose, has seen her star shine a little brighter since she appeared on the current season of “American Idol” — the reality TV music competition show that airs weekly on ABC.

Yet, Small was still a little nervous about her audience last week when she performed the National Anthem on Tuesday inside the packed chamber of the Louisiana House of Representatives in Baton Rouge.

“It was definitely different,” Small said. “It definitely was intimidating. You know I had this impression that everyone there was serious and formal but actually when I walked in there they were so nice. They had a great sense of humor.”

How did the New Iberia Senior High graduate get the opportunity to sing to one half of the state’s legislature? Saasha’s mother, Sheree Small, works with Rep. Blake Miguez’s wife, Ashley Jolet Miguez, at Caneview Elementary School in Iberia Parish. 

“She came home and said that Ms. Ashley’s husband wanted me to sing in the capitol building,” Small said.

“Her singing performance of the National Anthem was amazing,” Miguez said. “It was a fantastic moment when the entire chamber erupted in loud clapping and cheering when she completed the song. I felt like I had just witnessed an American Idol in the making.”

Small sang the anthem while standing by the Speaker of the House’s seat inside the chamber, and the speaker was the one who introduced Small to the chamber of lawmakers.

“I got to meet Rep. Taylor Barras and he was the one that read my bio to everyone,” Small said. “That was extra awesome.”

Small, who will be honored at this week’s Iberia Parish Council meeting, said she is still amazed about how her short time on “American Idol” has changed her life.

“It has really meant a lot to me,” Small said. “I did not realize what I did on “American Idol” would have this kind of impact. I didn’t realize how many people were watching. So for the state government to call me and ask me to sing for them was an honor.”