Abby Wolfe is marvelling at how the stars have aligned for her after being selected to represent New Zealand at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood.
The 17-year-old singer was busking in Albion Pl, Dunedin, last year and was about to pack up her guitar and go home when she was approached by a talent scout looking for performers to represent New Zealand at what is considered ''the official talent olympics'' for aspiring performers and entertainers.
''It was one of those kind of moments when the universe comes together for you.
''This lady came up to me and said: `You're an amazing singer and I want you to audition for a trip to go to the world champs'.
''It was surreal.''
She has since sent an audition tape to the New Zealand team managers, an Auckland-based talent agency, and was one of 20 Kiwis selected to travel to Hollywood in July this year.
Although Abby was excited about the opportunity, she was also really nervous.
''You only get one minute on stage to show what you can do.
''It has the potential to give me a career in music, so there's a bit of pressure riding on this.''
Abby said she had dreamed of becoming a professional musician since she was in primary school, and last year she was a successful contestant on X-Factor New Zealand.
She had hoped to find a job this year and save some money to go to the United States where she would pursue her music career, but this opportunity had short-circuited that plan, she said.
The competition attracts performers from more than 40 countries, and offers scholarship prizes worth $130,000.
Abby has not decided which song she will sing at the world championships yet, but is hoping something by Pink will get the attention she needs to succeed.
She plans to hold a concert called Wolfe-stock at Logan Park High School on March 22, in which she will perform alongside pupils from the school.
The concert will help raise funds for her trip.
