By Hannah Rose Williams
Zion Pearson, one of the youngest competitors this week in Morristown Onstage, has an edge over the other finalists.
The 12-year-old has won this amateur talent show before.
In 2020, he went home with the $500 audience choice award for his rendition of his hero Michael Jackson’s Who’s Loving You.
On Wednesday, Pearson will sing All of Me, by another of his favorites, John Legend.
Thirteen amateur acts will take the stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Feb. 23, 2022, in a benefit for programs in the Morris School District .
Pearson described his last experience at Morristown Onstage–when he was 10– simply as “fun.” It wasn’t about winning or losing, he said, but just enjoying what he loves, singing.
Everyone made sure he felt okay and was ready for the performance.
“They gave me water and snacks and supported me so I wouldn’t feel too nervous,” Pearson shared.
His love for singing began in the choir at Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown.
Pearson credits the choir with helping him find his rhythm and voice. He gained experience singing solos, and singing with others. Pearson also is a student at the Mayo Center’s Performing Arts School.
“Singing allows me to embrace myself without actually having to use words, but by using the melody of my songs,” Pearson said.
Regardless of the outcome this week, spectators can leave the theater sure of one thing: They haven’t heard the last of Zion Pearson.
MORE COVERAGE OF MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2022
The Morris Educational Foundation presents the 15th anniversary edition of Morristown Onstage, a benefit for the Morris School District, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Feb. 23, 2022. Tickets are $35-$85. New this year: A raffle with $30,000 in cash prizes.