In life, we all have a talent, and for WSU alumna Lareesa Marquette Blakely, hers is singing. Recently, Blakely has had the opportunity to perform with a choir, Danelle Daymon & Greater Works, on America’s Got Talent.

She has been singing since she was 4 years old at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle, off Dearborn Street. Her singing career continued through elementary school, middle school, high school and college.

Blakely attended Washington State University, and she spent those four years as a member of God’s Harmony gospel choir before she became the director for the following five years.

In 2015 Blakely received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and comparative ethnic studies and continued singing with an adult choir out of Seattle, Danelle Daymon & Greater Works. They were recognized for their singing abilities and competed in the How Sweet the Sound gospel competition in Los Angeles in early March 2017.

The choir had a chance to audition for America’s Got Talent and made the cut. Making it all the way to the semifinals, Blakely said she enjoyed the experience and had fun.

Being the team player she is, she said she just wanted to make the producer’s job easier and help other members in the choir as they advanced each round.

“Energy catches energy,” she said.

Blakely’s singing career didn’t end with Danelle Daymon & Greater Works’ elimination from America’s Got Talent.

“I would like to be advanced in my career,” she said, “managing artists and somehow incorporating my work with travelling the world.”

The exposure and experience was great for her, but what Blakely said she really wants is to give back to low income youths.

“Being around Tyra Banks was amazing,” she said. “Not a lot of people get a chance to do these types of things, so I’m just fortunate to be a member of this choir.”

Blakely said she battled being sick during one round on America’s Got Talent, but persevered and enjoyed every moment.

“I don’t see myself leaving the choir anytime soon,” she said to conclude her feelings on moving forward.