Rachel Holder says it was a "pinch-yourself moment" when she heard "Christmas Eve," her new holiday single, on iTunes.
"I started freaking out when my song went on iTunes," said the 18-year-old. "I wouldn't call this my 'big break'; it's another step along the way."
The release of "Christmas Eve" is the first in a series of big events coming up for the country newcomer, including a music video, radio tour and debut country single.
She's also costarring with Natalie Grant in a made-for-TV movie that is shooting in Kingston Springs, Tenn. Its release date is early 2011.
Holder began singing at age 13 in the casts of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., dinner theaters, all the while networking and getting her name out in her quest for a country music career. With more than 800 of those Broadway-style productions under her belt, she has developed the confidence and stage presence of a seasoned professional.
At 15, she went to Nashville, where she met producer Chuck Howard, who has worked with LeAnn Rimes, Trick Pony and Hank Williams Jr. Now her producer and manager, Howard suggested she record "Christmas Eve."
"It takes a special artist to pull off a song like 'Christmas Eve,'" Howard said in a news release, "and Rachel definitely captures the essence of that song. I already knew she was an incredibly gifted and versatile singer, but I can't wait for everyone else to hear it."
Rachel has signed with Nashville independent label All Entertainment and is represented by Aristo Media. During the week of the Country Music Association Awards earlier this month, she was featured in the Aristo Center Stage Party, an industry event to showcase new artists. She performed a 15-minute set, along with artists such as Ty Herndon and Ashley Gearing.
The "Christmas Eve" video has been shipped to the Great American Country and Country Music Television networks and is expected to start airing the week after Thanksgiving.
FACT FILEABOUT HERAge: 18.Parents: Greg and Regina Holder.Education: Homeschooled.First performance: In church, age 4.Los Angeles gigSang the national anthem at age 15 for a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game in Staples Center.Spontaneous duetRachel was in the audience during Vince Gill's Song for the Children concert in the Tivoli Theatre two years ago. She called out to the star, asking to sing with him. Their duet, "Oklahoma Swing," is on YouTube.
Q: Tell me about "Christmas Eve."
A: It's a cover of a Celine Dion song. The single came out Nov. 1. It's on iTunes and Amazon.com now and has shipped to country radio.
Q: When was the video shot?
A: The video is directed by Amanda Van Sandt. We shot the video in October at my home. It's filled with scenes of Christmas and a party scene outside with friends.
The great thing is, since we shot it at our farm, my friends and family got to experience it with me, and they got to watch how a video is made.
Q: What's your first country single?
A: It's called "Chocolate," and comes out in January. It's about a woman leaving a guy for chocolate because chocolate is so much better.
After the January release, I hope I'll be on a radio tour, traveling the country, promoting the record.
Q: What is the family movie you're in?
A: I'm shooting it right now. It's a called "Decision," with Natalie Grant and Billy Dean. It's about a troubled teenager named Michael. Natalie plays his mom. Michael goes through a lot of trials and tribulations before being led to the Lord.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I hope in the next five years I can still be putting my music out, giving my fans what they want ... and maybe I'll have another pinch-yourself moment.