ASHLEY YANKELLO IS
A STAR IN THE MAKING
A
shley Yankello, 10, of Kennedy
Township, enjoys singing, playing
piano, acting, dancing and
modeling. She received her first standing
ovation when she gave an impromptu
performance of Justin Bieber’s song “Baby”
at her uncle’s wedding when she was 4 years
old. Ashley started to practice regularly at
the age of 7 and has performed in several
talent contests recently, including the
Columbus Got Talent competition in April
and the Dream Night Talent Search in
Toledo last year.
Her favorite musical genre is R&B and
her favorite artists are Beyoncé and Etta
James. “I like how they express the songs,”
Ashley says.
She practices for at least an hour each
day, and her mother and her vocal coach,
Jason Swauger, help keep her motivated.
Although it can be boring, Ashley knows
practice is important to succeed.
Last year, Ashley won first place in the
youth age group category at the Dream
Night Talent Search in Toledo. Of the
more than 100 contestants, she was also
named the overall champion, which is one
of Ashley’s greatest accomplishments so
far, according to her father, Mark Yankello.
“There were serious artists there and they
came from everywhere to be there,” he says.
Ashley also performed the national
anthem at a Pirates game last year. She stood
alone at home plate and says the experience
was a little intimidating. “There were a lot of
people there,” Ashley explains. “I practiced
the anthem 30 times in the bathroom.
Whenever I’m nervous, I just breathe and
try to calm myself down.”
But in general, Ashley is very comfortable
performing in front of an audience. “It’s a
special characteristic that she’s able to do it
with ease,” says Yankello.
“If you don’t believe in yourself,
you can’t do it.”
Ashley urges other aspiring performers to
practice hard and believe in themselves: “If
you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t do it.”
Although Ashley has a lot of natural
talent, she also works hard. “It’s that
combination that’s taken her to where she
is now,” Yankello says. “She’s got a big voice.
But, if talent doesn’t work hard it’s not going
to happen. She definitely stays at it, and
that’s the reason she’s successful.”
Besides singing, dancing is her favorite
activity, and she enjoys hip-hop the most.
“I like it because it gets me active,” Ashley
explains. “I like to practice at home and
show my parents and brother.”
When she’s not practicing, Ashley plays
with her pet guinea pig or pet fish, Bubbles.
She also enjoys playing Minecraft and
Animal Jam.
Only time will tell what the future holds
for Ashley. “She’s not taking anything for
granted,” says Yankello.
For more information, visit facebook.
com/AshleyYankello/. n
Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 11