Mackenzie Morgan	- Download MP3-

Mackenzie Morgan is just 12 but has already sung on stages in Branson, Mo., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and at the White House.

If you haven’t caught this rising star during a performance of “Choo Choo Cha Boogie,” or didn’t hear her soar through the national anthem at last December’s NCAA Football Championship Subdivision final in Finley Stadium, you might want to catch her act today at 5 p.m. on the Bud Light Stage at Riverbend.

Parents: Tracy and David Stambaugh.

Hometown: Corbin, Ky. moved to Chattanooga in March 2008.

Started singing: At age 5. “I sang at church and for funerals,” Mackenzie said.

First vocal competition: “I entered the World Chicken Festival in Kentucky at age 7 and won” (over all youth and adult competitors).

Awards: She has won eight international awards and 10 regional and state awards for Entertainer, Vocalist or Young Performer of the Year in gospel music from the North American Country Music Association, International Country Music Association and Tennessee Country Music Association. For the last three years, 2006-2008, she has won the Tennessee Country Music Association’s New Gospel Female Entertainer and Vocalist of the Year.

Weekend gig: Mackenzie is part of the cast of Elwood Smooch’s “Choo-Choo Cha Boogie” variety show at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo’s Jukebox Junction Theater. She previously performed with Billy Baker (aka Elwood) at his theater in Pigeon Forge in 2006.

Her act: She’ll be backed in today’s show by the Choo-Choo All-Star Band from “Choo-Choo Cha Boogie.” Mackenzie said her act will include covers of songs by Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood as well as some gospel. She said her favorite is Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.”