Her long-time aspiration was to audition for American Idol, but local singer songwriter Emily Faith wanted it to be the right time.

That time finally arrived.

As auditions for the 20th season began last fall, Faith, the daughter of Chad and Shelley Sanders, gathered up her dreams and guitar, with her mom by her side, and headed to Los Angeles.

“I had thought about it for the last few years, but just never felt the timing was quite right,” Faith said. “I finally felt like I should do it this year and so I gave it a shot and it was such an exciting experience.”

Although already a seasoned performer entertaining crowds with her country and Christian music at venues across the state and nation, Faith said the audition was probably the most nerve-racking experience she’s had.

Faith, 19, has performed at a number of high-profile venues such as House of Blues, Six Flags, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, Disneyland, Tootsie’s and Bluebird Cafe, and traveled a 50- city road trip with the Newsboys as part of their “God’s Not Dead” tour.

She’s also performed the national anthem at NASCAR races, professional bullriding events and Oklahoma City Thunder games.

At the audition which lasted for several days, Faith said she met other amazing artists with whom she is now good friends. They stay in touch, chatting together as they watch each other on new episodes of American Idol she said.

Performing before the celebrity judges was a great experience also, she said.

“My audition was so crazy, getting to walk in there and meet three of my biggest idols (Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan), who are incredible people in general as well as amazing artists,” Faith added.

Although Faith has written and recorded a variety of original songs, she decided to perform an old favorite by Waylon Jennings, “Good Hearted Woman.”

“It’s one of my favorites and I always love performing that song,” Faith said.

“I wanted to put my best foot forward in the audition and that’s a song I feel showcases my voice really well and I always have fun with it.”

Recording many singles throughout her career, Faith’s original songs reveal her love for country music and her Christian faith.

“I’m a contemporary Christian artist, but also a country artist,” Faith said, “and I enjoy bringing the two together into a country Christian mix.”

Last fall she released her debut album “Rebel,” which features four original contemporary Christian songs she has written and is available on streaming music platforms.

The album showcases not only her strong voice, but her strong convictions through her Christian faith to maintain a positive attitude and uplift others through her songs.

“I really enjoy writing uplifting and encouraging songs and it’s definitely a passion of mine,” she said.

Although Faith spends a lot of time writing, recording and performing, she also makes it a priority to give back to her community and connect with others.

In the past she has served as the president of the Children’s Hospital Foundation Teen Board, volunteered with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and Folds of Honor, as well as many other non-profit organizations.

Also involved in pageants, Faith is the reigning Miss Tulsa and will compete for the 2022 Miss Oklahoma title in June, her second appearance at the state pageant.

She is currently a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism and pre-law as well as a member of Tri Delta sorority.

Continuing her love of service to nonprofits, Faith’s involvement with the sorority has provided the opportunity to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also recently participated in the OU dance marathon which benefits the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

In 2020, she was recognized as one of “NextGen Under 30” for her work with nonprofit organizations. She was nominated by the Granville Community Music School for her volunteer work at the school which provides music instruction to underprivileged children and youth in the state.

Currently still involved with the Granville program, Faith said it is one of her favorite places to be.

“Getting to be a volunteer teaching the kids music is so special to me,” Faith said. “Being able to pour music into their lives after they’ve gone through so much is something they really need.

“They teach me so many things every week and I’m glad to be part of their story.”

Sharing her talent and love of music in many ways, Faith said she has enjoyed all the different experiences she has had through music.

“Every time I get to perform it’s so special, because I never know what’s going to happen next and what each experience is going to be like,” Faith said.

“It’s so fun and rewarding to get to do what I love.”

The ultimate dream, she said, “is to have my songs on the radio, going on tour, singing and songwriting for a living…that’s the big dream and big hope.”

Well on her way to accomplishing that dream (and possibly receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood), Faith’s American Idol audition can be seen Sunday, March 13, at 7 p.m. on ABC.