Just in case anyone needed to hear it or be reminded of it. Love is alive in Owensboro. Saturday night, a record crowd of people poured into the Owensboro Convention Center for Puzzle Pieces’ Lip Sync Battle. The show was not just an epic fundraiser, it was a three-hour-long love letter to compassion, diversity, and the entire spectrum of ability. Lip Sync Battle is a movement.
Before I share my favorite moments from the show, I have to recognize my family of friends who joined me for this year’s opening number.
I consider myself privileged to know and get to work with these insanely talented people- Brendan Stewart, Jaysen Oliver, Eric Clark, Preston Middleton, Candace Cleveland, Mercedez Varble, Heather Payne, Rhianna Pickrell, and Jen Vogel. They threw themselves into this vision and brought “The Greatest Showman” to full, energetic, and empowering life.
I also have to shout out my favorite flag-flying warrior goddess Cathy Pickrell, who is a life-changing inspiration to me on and off stage. I bow, daily, to my radio and Lip Sync Battle co-host Mary-Katherine Maddox, a woman who embodies the definition of the word ’empathy.’ She is the biggest cheerleader of others I know. There is a place in heart for everyone.
Then, there’s Puzzle Pieces’ Executive Director Amanda Owen. This year, Amanda joined us on stage and poured her heart and soul into her performance of “Never Enough.” In life, she’s inspiring. On stage, she’s inspiring and radiant. Amanda, thank you for helping us share your story and join you in your mission…