Poppe shares struggles, successes during speech at G-R High School

REINBECK – Clarksville native and American Idol contestant Maddie Poppe took a break from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood last week to make an appearance at the Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School, where she gave an empowering speech to local elementary school students about overcoming obstacles and chasing success.
 
Poppe shared some personal highs and lows of her singing career with the youngsters, and encouraged them to always keep chasing their dreams, even if it seems impossible.
 
“When people see a [celebrity] on TV, they sometimes don’t realize the hard work that went into getting there,” Poppe said. “Some people think that person just woke up one day and decided to become famous. But they don’t see all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes; all the hard work, the rejection and the struggles that come before you get that chance.”
 
Poppe recounted the many times she felt rejection before having the chance to compete in American Idol.
 
“I’ve experienced a lot of what I saw as failing,” she said. “I had a lot of local contests I didn’t do as well as I wanted to in; I had a record label in Nashville fall through; I auditioned for The Voice, and it didn’t go so well. I felt discouraged I didn’t meet my goal, and that I got my hopes up for something that didn’t work out. I felt like I failed, and I was really unsure of my future in music; I didn’t know what to do next.”
 
But, Poppe said the most important thing to do when you fail is to get up, and try again, and keep trying until you make it happen.
 
“With your dream, no matter how big it is, you’re gonna hear no before you hear yes,” she said. “But the important thing is to keep trying.”
 
After her audition with The Voice fell flat, Poppe said she never expected to have the chance to be on another TV show. But when her dad, who she says is one of her biggest supporters, told her that American Idol was back on the air, and holding auditions, she decided to go for it.
 
“I honestly never thought there would be any way I’d make it onto two TV shows,” Poppe said. “But if you want something bad enough, you’re willing to do anything to make that dream happen.”
 
After making it through all of the initial rounds, Poppe earned herself a spot performing for judges during “Hollywood Week.”
 
During the airing of that episode on Sunday, the audience watched as Poppe sang an original song called "Don't Ever Let Your Children Grow Up," which wowed the judges and earned her a spot in the showcase and final judgment round, which will narrow the field to just 24 competitors.
 
For the full story, see this wekk's Grundy Register. Subscribe by calling (319) 824-6958 or clicking here.