Lincoln-Way Grad in Final Round Vying for $10,000 in 'The One'

A local talent has made it to the final round of 115 Bourbon Street’s singing competition “The One,” and she needs your help to win.

After besting the competition in 10 rounds, Makena Hartlin, 21, of New Lenox will perform with the top 5 contestants whittled down from 150, all vying for $10,000.

“It’s been a great experience and confidence builder to perform for a huge audience every week,” Hartlin said.

Though performed before a panel of judges, the competition is based solely on audience voting, Harlin said—so the Lincoln-Way Central grad needs your support.

“Thank you so much to the amazingly supportive people who continue to lift me up on a weekly basis, I would NOT have been able to do this without you!” Hartlin wrote to her supporters.

The competition began in January, with themed rounds each week. Hartlin’s favorite performance thus far was “Over the Rainbow”, one of the songs she treasures dearly. Each week’s theme presents a new challenge, none more thrilling then setting foot on the stage.

“What I love most about performing is the fact that all the worries and negativity melt away when you step on stage,” Hartlin told Patch. ”It’s a place of invincibility and freedom where nothing matters but the song.”

Inspired by music ranging from Led Zeppelin to Joni Mitchell, Brandy Clark, Fleetwood Mac, and Willie Nelson, Hartlin has been writing and performing her own music for about three years. Her songs are described as ”high-energy, catchy foot-stompers, to tear-jerking ballads, all lyrically dense with honesty, humor, and the ins and outs, ups and downs of life as we know it.”

“It’s very rewarding to see an entire crowd engaged in a song that started as an idea scribbled in a notebook,” she said.

The winner receives $10,000; second prize $3,000; third prize $1,500. The finale is a formal event that begins at 7 p.m., 3359 W 115th St., in Merrionette Park. Admission and parking are free.