Two Neelyville students have received the opportunity to perform at the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson this Friday.
Makenzi Davis and Hunter Gilmore were selected among groups of students from all over the state of Missouri in a contest to perform their very own pre-show before the Hughes Brothers.
"I'm so excited and shocked for this opportunity," Davis said.
Gilmore, also excited about the opportunity, suspected they were doing well in the competition after noticing about two hours were spent with their group by show coordinators as opposed to a half hour with other groups.
"They (show producers) were impressed by the level of talent the kids had for only being 14 years old," Makenzi's mother, Shannon Davis said.
The two not only had the vocals to impress the judges, but Gilmore's guitar performances impressed as well.
The Branson opportunity all began when Neelyville choir teacher Brittany Williams received an application to send students to compete for the opening spot.
Davis and Gilmore performed two songs for the judges while receiving tips and pointers along the way.
At the end of the day, the duo had won the opportunity to perform at the Hughes Brothers Theatre.
In a mixture of melodies, Davis and Gilmore will perform three songs for their opening show, two of which where chosen by show producers and Davis admitted she had never heard either song.
"More than Words," "House of the Rising Sun" and "Rolling in the Deep" will be the three songs the duo will perform.
The two have been practicing the songs since May and had the opportunity to visit the Hughes Brothers Theatre in July for a rehearsal.
While Davis and Gilmore have a certain amount of freedom for their performance, Davis said there are numbers along the stage floor they are to follow during the songs.
After practicing on the numbered stage, Davis said they were taken to perform in front of mirrors to fine tune their stage presence while singing.
Both Davis and Gilmore agreed they felt more comfortable after practicing on the actual stage they will perform on Friday evening.
"I have been singing everywhere I go," Davis said in preparation for the show.
Raising the anticipation level, Shannon said she was told some "big names" would be in attendance at the show.
Davis and Gilmore both became wide-eyed when hearing the news and said they didn't know if "big names" meant music scouts, producers or celebrities.
The duo will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Hughes Brothers Theatre, located at 3425 West 76 Country Boulevard in Branson. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m.
Tickets to the show are normally $39.99, but a special rate of $25 is available with the code word "Makenzi and Hunter." This code may be used until the day of the show at the box office.
For information or ticket reservations, call 1-800-422-0076. The code word may be used over the phone as well for ticket purchases.
The two Neelyville High School freshmen, who grew up together, began singing in sixth grade during a spring concert. They were paired together and realized "they had something."
According to the duo, the largest crowd they have performed in front of to-date was about 15,000 in New Orleans, La., in 2016 during the National Junior Beta Convention.
Davis and Gilmore, along with fellow Neelyville students, have won the special talent division at the State Junior Beta Convention twice and placed in the top eight and top 10 at National Conventions.
They now sing together on the worship team at Palace of Praise Church in Poplar Bluff.
"Makenzi and Hunter are down to earth kids who love their friends, family, school, sports and church," Shannon said. "They give the glory to God first for their talents. I encourage anyone who can to come and support them in this amazing opportunity."