There were five participants at the national competition. Although there were seven regionals, judges did not send a representative from two of the regional competitions. For the national competition, each participant was required to perform a 40-minute recital that included six categories. Judges picked the order in which songs were performed. As a result, singers did not know what order they would sing their songs in.
Students can participate in the competition if their teacher is an MTNA member.
Leanne Freeman-Miller, instructor of voice, has worked with Wilkinson since Wilkinson was 16 years old. I knew she had lots of potential. I think that lots of possibilities are open to her. Freeman-Miller said Wilkinson has more than just a good voice. Wilkinson, in turn, credits Freeman-Miller with much of her success.