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Jodi Rave: Meet your next Native American Idols
Monday, February 12, 2007
Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment

"The world is full of divas, and aspiring divas.

Arigon Starr confidently calls herself the Native American Diva, a stage goddess of country Americana music, living in Los Angeles and singing across the United States.

Maria McGrady, on the other hand, has been classically trained in opera, but remains virtually unknown outside Missoula.

Each woman has dreamed of becoming famous, placing them among the ranks of thousands who believe they have what it takes to become the next American Idol.

But fame and fortune are often more than an octave away.

'IIt takes a lot of discipline, but it also takes people skills,' said Starr. 'And you have to be willing to be rejected, over and over again. Just dust yourself off and keep going again. That's the hardest part for a lot of people. 'No' is usually the safest answer for most people. 'No,' we can't do that, that's crazy.'

It's a word that doesn't stop her.

Starr, who is a Kickapoo, has been singing professionally for the past 10 years, meaning she doesn't need another job to support her musical habit. She planted herself in Los Angeles 15 years ago to boost her career and be among other professionals.

McGrady, a Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara, started singing classical music at age 13. She thought about auditioning for the 'American Idol' TV show, but missed the age-sensitive deadline, which fixates on 20-somethings."

Get the Story:
Music market: Two singing talents take different paths reaching for their dream (The Missoulian 2/10)

Relevant Links:
Jodi Rave - http://www.missoulian.com/jodirave

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