Lynn youth singer has eye on TV talent competition

LYNN ? The Lynn YMCA could have another contender for “La Voz Kids” in an 11-year-old with a powerhouse voice.Merlyn Garcia said she’s “on pins and needles waiting” to hear from the show.Garcia is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her friend Amanda Mena, who took the city by storm last June after she won “La Voz Kids,” Telemundo’s version of the talent show “The Voice.”Garcia said Mena was in part her inspiration for auditioning, that and the fact that her love of singing matches Mena’s.The pair met four years ago when they began singing at the YMCA’s Music Studio Clubhouse. Studio Director Helder Tsinine said when Garcia began four years ago, she was a little girl with a little voice.?From that time to now, it has really changed,” he said.Last Wednesday afternoon Garcia stood at the microphone like a pro and belted out Jennifer Holliday’s “And I’m Telling You.”YMCA Executive Director Audrey Jimenez said the studio is almost an embarrassment of riches.?When you first start here it’s a shock,” she said. “It’s just amazing that we have this much talent in one place.”Along with Mena and Garcia, there are a few students who have made it to Berklee College of Music on their Music Studio Clubhouse experience.Garcia decided to take her shot after she won a scholarship giving her full access to the YMCA as well as the music studio. The scholarship was created last June in Mena’s honor to be awarded to one youth member each year. Garcia was the first recipient, and she has made good use of it.Tsinine said they made Garcia’s audition tape for “La Voz” about three weeks ago, and he believes she has a good shot at making it onto the show. If she doesn’t, however, Garcia is prepared.?There’s always next year,” she said. “I really just want other kids to think of me as a role model.”When asked if she thinks she will pursue singing for a career, she is philosophical.?It’s a long process for me,” she said.