Apple Valley Teen Sings Her Way to L.A. with Justin Bieber Song

Justin Bieber has sung his way into the hearts of thousands of teens and tweens around the world. But recently, he gave fans around the country, including one Apple Valley teenager, a chance to sing his songs instead.
eighth-grader Sydney Laylin is on her way to Los Angeles for the Feb. 9 premiere of Bieber’s upcoming movie “Never Say Never,” after winning the singing contest of the same name at the Mall of America earlier this month with her performance of Bieber’s song “U Smile."

"I'm not like a huge, huge fan, but I definitely like most of his music," Laylin, 14, said.

Laylin competed against 49 other teenagers, who each chose between three Bieber songs, to win the trip and also the chance to meet Bieber while in Los Angeles. Of the 20 winners nationwide, Paramount Pictures representatives will choose their top five, and the public will choose one winner to meet the teenage pop star by voting on the five videos, according to contest rules.

Laylin, who takes voice lessons, sings in three school choirs, held the lead role in the school musical, "Give My Regards to Broadway,” learned about the contest through Facebook a week beforehand, she said. She decided to enter to sing on stage at the mall rotunda.

"I practiced every day for a week,” she said.

She and her dad arrived at the mall at 11 a.m. to make sure she got a spot in the competition, which was open only to the first 50 entrants. Her mom and brother also came later to support her.

"I waited in line for like four hours," she said. "I was nervous for like an hour before, until it got to about the 20th contestant, and then I just wanted to get up there and do it. I was just more anxious to get up there. It was really fun."

Laylin said the contest was similar to the TV show “American Idol” in that three judges critiqued the contestants’ performances, including how they presented themselves, the quality of their voices and how clearly they sang.

Kim Laylin, Sydney's mom, said she enjoyed watching her daughter perform.

"It was fun, it was crazy and surprising," Kim Laylin said. "She had a bunch of friends there, and they called and cheered for her."

The eighth-grader said since the contest she’s has been getting attention at school for her win.

"A lot of people at school have been talking about it and asking me a ton of questions," she said. "A bunch of teachers have even been giving me compliments."

Laylin's parents and a friend will accompany her on the Los Angeles trip. Aside from attending the movie premiere, she said she hopes to go to the beach and do some shopping on Rodeo Drive. 

She also said she plans to continue singing in the future.

"I want to sing somewhere when I'm older, but I don't want to be a huge star," Laylin said. "I just want to sing in something. I've always wanted to sing the National Anthem at a Twins game."

See the video of Laylin’s winning performance, attached to this story.