Bianca Mercedes Mancha performs at the Permian Basin Fair and Expo. The local girl is in Dallas auditioning for an appearance on "American Idol." (Courtesy photo)

By ALEX NEWSOM
Herald Intern
 Big Spring High School student Bianca Mercedes Mancha is currently in Dallas trying to make her dreams come true as she auditions for a spot on “American Idol,” the biggest reality television show of the decade.

She and her mother, Gloria Reese, left Tuesday morning, and around 10 p.m. that night joined the line that was already beginning to form. They had been planning to get up in the early morning hours of Wednesday, but Mancha said they saw the line beginning to form a little after 9 p.m. and decided they'd better get on down there.

 “We were really lucky to make it to the front of the line,” Mancha said and estimated there was a turnout of more than 5,000 people. “People were around the whole Dallas Cowboys Stadium.”

 While waiting in line, Mancha was interviewed and sang on the radio show “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning.”

 “Jenna from Kidd Kraddick was in the front talking to people,” the 17-year old said. “So I've already received some attention, but the whole situation is kind of crazy. I'm so excited. Everyone was just so happy to be there.”

 Her mother said, “Everyone in line was singing while they were waiting. That's not really Bianca's personality, but she sang once and then several people were like, 'That little girl can sing.' Even some of the other hopeful contestants said something.

 “She's got the pipes; it's just getting past that first round,” Reese remarked.

 Though some may think her mother is slightly biased, the sheer number of awards Mancha has won in the past proves her mother's not the only one impressed. According to Reese, Mancha has performed at the Johnnie High's Country Music Revue in Arlington, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth and the Odessa Music City Mall. She won the grand prize twice in the talent competition in Odessa and the grand prize at the 2008 Permian Basin Fair and Expo Talent Show and intends to enter again this year. She is the  lead singer for the youth band at Family Faith Victory Center and sings at weddings, parties and local sporting events for Howard College and Big Spring High School.

 She had hoped to audition last year when she was 16, the age minimum, but she came down with the flu and was unable to perform.

 Mancha has three songs prepared for auditions Friday: “You're Gonna Love Me” by Jennifer Hudson, “Listen” by Beyonce and “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride. She has to audition for three producers before she can audition for the actual judges.

 “I'm so thrilled to be pursuing my dreams. I'll try to represent Big Spring well,” she said. “Keep me in your prayers.”