October 7, 2022 |
Despite a valiant effort and a great audition tape, a local singer will not get to perform at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year.
As reported by Bigfoot 99, Caitie Hefner of Encampment was one of the final eight contestants in the NFR National Anthem Contest. Singers from across the country sent in application videos in hopes of scoring one of two spots on offer to sing the national anthem in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through voting on the NFR website, that field was narrowed down to just 30 contestants. NFR National Anthem judges trimmed those down to just eight.
The winners were determined by popular vote once again. Unfortunately, Hefner did not receive enough votes to win. She was overwhelmed by the amount of community involvement, though.
Candace Muir, from Waynesfield, Ohio and Presley Seal, of Caldwell, Idaho were the two winners. Event organizers did not release the final vote totals.
A month after being chosen to sing at the 2021 National Finals Rodeo, Muir and her family were involved in a motor vehicle accident. She suffered spinal and pelvis injuries which caused her to miss the event.
Hefner said her competition was very talented. She expected Muir to be one of the finalists.
Hefner would not rule out running again next year. She said that her family has already suggested she give it another shot. Hefner said giving up doesn’t get you what you want.
The two grand prize winners will receive airfare to and from Las Vegas, two nights of hotel accommodation, and tickets to attend the 2022 National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event runs from December 1st-10th.
