Beacon Staff
Ruby Orr might just be a superstar.
With a microphone in her hand, the West Burlington 14-year-old has become a common sight at events around Burlington. She has sung regularly at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market, crooned at A Very Vintage Market, and performed an energetic version of the National Anthem at National Night Out.
Now she’s had the opportunity to sing at the Iowa State Fair.
“Ruby has always been singing since she could talk,” said her mother, Jessica Orr.
A few years ago, Orr unveiled her voice in a talent show in Des Moines County. She found she was a natural and kept singing.
Orr qualified for the Iowa State Fair with her performance at the Bill Riley Talent Show at the Des Moines County Fair last month. She made her debut at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market in early June, using a microphone held together by duct tape.
“I’ve been singing the National Anthem here and there, but other than that, it’s my first time doing it,” Ruby said after singing a few songs at the market.
Up until this past summer, Orr’s specialty was the National Anthem. But as she grew more comfortable on stage, she wanted to express her individuality and started singing other songs.
“She wanted to start singing from her heart,” Jessica Orr said.
Jessica said Ruby’s father has a bit of talent for music, but she has none. She considers herself tone-deaf, which makes it hard for her to critique Ruby's performance. All she can do is watch, cheer, and offer support.
“I’m absolutely zero help when it comes to the singing,” Jessica said.
Jessica can get a little emotional when she watches Ruby sing. Ruby weighed three pounds at birth, and her lungs were smaller than they should have been. She and her twin brother were born prematurely.
But standing in front of thousands of people in the Iowa State Fair Crowd this weekend, her lungs filled with air and exhaled musical melody. While she didn't advance to the finals this year, she’s automatically qualified for next year's talent show at the state fair.
And she will be singing for years to come.
“I’m ready for this,” Ruby said about competing in the state fair.