NBC Star Tomorrow Finalist Survives Near Death Experience; Recording Artist Struck by Drunk Driver

Recording artist, Aria, lives to sing on NBC’s “Star Tomorrow.” The 21 year-old singer was recently struck by a drunk driver, while returning home.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 12, 2006 -- NBC's new exclusive music competition, Star Tomorrow, nearly lost one of its top performers after the recording artist was struck by a drunk driver in Los Angeles, California. Singer/songwriter, Aria, turned her near-death experience into inspiration to follow her dreams and is now a finalist on NBC's Star Tomorrow.

Aria was hit by a drunk driver on the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. She was driving home from the recording studio when a drunk driver collided with her vehicle, causing her to spin across four lanes of freeway. “My life literally flashed before my eyes as I watched three cars coming toward me at 80 mph,” said the singer/songwriter. “Every special memory and all the people I love at the same time - I just remember praying for God to take me to heaven if I had to die.”

She and her vehicle miraculously landed unhurt on the side of the road, she felt as if her life was changed forever. “I got a second chance to follow my dreams. It has always been my mission to inspire others and help change lives through music,” she said.

A day after her near-miss, the talented 21 year-old artist heard that NBC was hosting a nationwide search for its new online music competition “Star Tomorrow.” She immediately knew that this was an opportunity she could not ignore.

The show (www.startomorrow.com) is judged by 14-time Grammy winning producer David Foster, with special guest appearances by Travis Barker (Blink 182), Sheila E., Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Mick Jones (Foreigner), and Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac). Unlike American Idol, NBC’s Star Tomorrow is the first interactive online music competition, where contestants compete for a record deal with Warner Brothers by performing their original music. Viewers are exclusively in control of choosing the winner by deciding who survives each round, having already whittled the top 100 down to the top 50. Aria is among the final 50 and is looking forward to being around when the competition is all said and done.

“She sings good, she looks good…she’s got something [special,” said producer David Foster.

Aria credits her fans on Myspace (www.myspace.com/ariadelacruz) for much of her success. “I am overwhelmed by the support of my fans, friends, and family,” she said. “I made it to round two because they all voted for me at www.startomorrow.com. They even spread the word through e-mail, and it was like an infectious chain of support.”

About Aria:

Aria is a singer/songwriter who has skyrocketed to success. Born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, Aria is an exotic blend of Lebanese and Portuguese who was inspired to write, as well as, sing from childhood. The recording artist recently debuted her music video “Beauty,” which was featured on America's Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. Aria is also featured in the documentary, “Walk the Walk,” which chronicles the struggle and rise to success in the music industry.

When asked about her influences, Aria cites Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, Mariah Carey and everything Motown. Her fate has taken numerous turns, including the arrangement of an all girl group called "Reality" and later Aria's regularly touring band "Lucky Six." Post high school, Aria turned down the opportunity to tour Europe, Hong Kong and China with her band, to instead record her solo album.

Now it’s up to you to make Aria NBC’s next Star Tomorrow. Please go to www.startomorrow.com to register and vote. You have until September 18th, 9pm EST to vote.

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