Calvin Oatsvall (aka Calvin O) is a familiar face in South County. A resident of Ruskin, he has performed at several local venues. Photos by Lisa Stark @Starkimages Photography www.lisastark.com
By LISA STARK
Contributing Writer
Ruskin country singer Calvin Oatsvall is one of several local hopefuls who participated last month in auditions held Nov. 2 at the Tampa Convention Center by the popularly acclaimed talent program America’s Got Talent.
Along with some 2,000 other contestants, Calvin stood in line for eight hours to perform his original song, One Nation Under God, for the program’s judges. “It’s a fun experience,” said Calvin. “Even if you don’t get on [the show] you meet interesting people in line and get to be part of the whole event.’’
Entering its 10th season, America’s Got Talent is the only show where acts of any age and any talent can compete in front of a national audience.
It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages competing for the advertised top prize of $1 million. Among its significant features is that it gives an opportunity to talented amateurs or unknown performers, with the results decided by an audience vote. The format is a popular one and has often been reworked for television in the United States and the United Kingdom.
With celebrity judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howard Stern, NBC’s hit series remains the No. 1 summer show in total viewers for the ninth year in a row. Each year the show awards a $1 million grand prize and the privilege of headlining the America’s Got Talent Live stage show in Las Vegas.
For the first time in its history, the show picked a solo act — a magician — as its top prize winner. This gives more hope to solo acts like Calvin to enter the winner’s circle.
Calvin Oatsvall (nicknamed Calvin O) is a familiar face in the area. A resident of Ruskin, Calvin has appeared at several local venues, including Alpha Pizza House and Bunkers at Sandpiper Grille. He is also a regular performer at various chapters of the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Moose and Eagle lodges. His easy blend of country and Southern rock make him a popular entertainer for listeners of all ages.
Oatsvall’s roots in country music run deep. His musical influences come from artists such as Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as pop star Sheryl Crow, who grew up in the Boothill region of Missouri close to his hometown. Oatsvall studied computer technology at Arizona Western College, paving the way for later endeavors in studio recording. In 2010, Calvin’s single, One Nation Under God, recorded by Soul Circus Cowboy, rose to number 86 on the Pulse country music charts.
Calvin expects to hear the results of his America’s Got Talent audition sometime in January. In the meantime, he is busy with local gigs and writing new songs.
His single, One Nation Under God, can be can be downloaded at www.reverbnation.com.
