..Pagnia Xiong
An aspiring vocalist. An advocate for life. A jubilant soul.
At the young age of 10, Pagnia Xiong made her first public appearance. She joined a small Hmong children’s choir in her local area where she began her singing career. The choir traveled throughout the state to perform for area schools, community events, television shows, and cultural celebrations. Through the children’s choir, Pagnia gained experience and confidence to vocally compete in the years ahead.
In 2001, she began competing throughout the Midwest and earned several winning titles. In 2005, she took all three winning titles of the Hmong Contemporary Song vocal competition in the St. Paul Hmong New Year, the Minneapolis Hmong American New Year (HANY) vocal contest, and the Hmong Idol competition. In July 2006, Pagnia released her debut album titled, "Nyob Ib Sab," a powerful and unique display of Pagnia’s vocal abilities. Today, Pagnia strives to be a successful Hmong female vocalist whether it may be in the Hmong or mainstream sound industry. Just look for her. Perhaps, you’ll see Pagnia in the next American Idol competition.
Who inspires you as an artist, a living being, Pagnia?
If you know me as a "normal" living being, I am inspired quickly by those who send me a positive, bright aura. I love being surrounded by genuinely kind, open-minded, life-lovers. These people, who I am oh-so-honored to know and have in my life are kuv niam (my omani), all my six siblings, Ms. Justine, Soua L., and Hoi. These special faces that I so proudly know, I must say, know me at a level that no one else does. Everytime I speak, see, e-mail, or talk to one of them, I am so thankful that I can breathe life. They are the definition of inspiration.
Musically, I have been inspired by so many. However, the ones that stick with me are the ones that I cannot ignore when I hear them on the radio or see them on the T.V. or magazines. I have seen some of them LIVE...and have been emotionally touched. This, I must say, is what I love about singing. As a listener, it is the emotional connection that I have with an artist that draws me to his/her voice, his/her lyrics, his/her overall musicianship. When I have this, he/she’s got me hooked for life! Truly, I wish this upon all my listeners. I honestly do. But, I do love these entertainers: Nicole Scherzinger of PCD, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Xtina, and Mama Winfrey. Each of these women hold a special place in my heart, musically and wholistically, in life. I do look forward to the day that I meet each one of them. (=
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