Under the vibrant disco lights of Mr. Waves Island Bar on Fort Myers Beach, you'll find Cameryn Friesz first in line for karaoke.
"In my hometown, everybody knew that I sang. I sang for most people's weddings, I sang the national anthem, and I sang at large events and small events," South Dakota-born-and-raised singer Cameryn said.
Cameryn's passion for singing started at a young age. It gave her a hobby and a group of friends.
Until she moved with her husband and two daughters 2,000 miles away to Southwest Florida.
"It's very hard to find that community of people you enjoy being around and that enjoys being around you," Cameryn said.
Cameryn decided to enter a Florida state karaoke competition to lift her spirits.
"During state and as soon as state was over, it was just like, this family just lifted you up and had this positive energy. It was just something I really needed," Cameryn said.
Cameryn placed second at states, which took place in Ocala in August. She was only half a point away from first place.
It was good enough to land her on a flight to Las Vegas to compete in the International Karaoke Federation World Finals last week.
Cameryn's karaoke song that she performed on the national stage? "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston.
While she didn't move forward to round three, Cameryn placed in the top 33 in round two.
"For them to even be like, 'Wow, Mom, you really nailed that one.' Or, 'I don't like how you did that this time, is really great,'" Cameryn said of her daughters, Amya and
Nine-year-old Amya follows after mom, grabbing the microphone at Mr. Waves to sing "All About That Base" by Meghan Trainor.
When asked what she wants her daughter to gain from watching her karaoke journey, Cameryn says, "Confidence and being herself. That's all I want for both of my girls."
While Cameryn didn't take home the gold this time, in a lot of ways, she feels like she's won.
"Just seeing the Elite Eight winners and the emotional engagement they were able to draw from the crowds was a huge lesson," Cameryn said. "Who knows, maybe you'll see me next year!"