At just 17 years of age, Seguin songstress Natalie Rose Capparelli, has already been backstage at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, is making a name for herself in the world of Country music.

Natalie, whose high-powered mature voice, with a rich full range, has been compared to that of Martina McBride, is a fast rising star on the Nashville Country Music scene, where she interestingly records her music.

At the age of 5, Natalie launched her singing career while performing at a rodeo, and at the age of 8, she began singing at her family’s restaurant. She says in the past couple of years she’s begun to sing more professionally with a backup band in various venues. Singing comes natural for her, she says, and she never contends with stage fright. She emphasizes that she feels comfortable, poised and relaxed on stage when performing in front of a large audience. “I love getting up on the stage and singing,” Natalie said. “I feel like I’ve sung in another life because my mom will say “You’re going to Nashville!” and I say “OK.” I’m not the kind who will jump up and down, screaming and happy. I feel like I’ve done this before.”

Natalie, who trades her blue jeans for evening gowns when taking publicity photos, says she loves the glitz and glamour associated with being a performing artist, yet she says when she’s with her friends, she’s down to earth and unpretentious.

Through networking and her God-given gift for singing songs that might be considered beyond her years, Natalie, who has been nominated for awards for her unique singing ability, already has an impressive resume. Through hard work and sheer determination, she continues to have more singing engagements booked. Sure, she’s been discriminated against and had doors slammed in her face because of her age, but after people hear her music, they are sold on her vocal talent.

“They think that just because I’m young, I can’t sing or be professional.” Natalie said.

Natalie’s mom, Tina Capparelli, quickly adds, “But now that they’ve heard her, they’re calling her now to sing with them.”

She’s performed at the San Antonio Folk Life Festival with the Rick Cavender Band. She’s performed at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. She’s performed with Roy Head’s Band, the Traits, and at the B.B. King Theatre in Nashville. A huge credit to her name, she’s opened for Roy Clark, Ray Price, Charley Pride, Ronnie Milsap, Clay Walker and Kevin Fowler. She sings the National Anthem at miscellaneous venues such as the Spurs Playoffs, and private corporate events. She is managed by her mom, Tina Capparelli, and recalls her singing Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline songs to her as a child. She would then emulate her mother in singing those same songs, using the family’s coffee table as her stage. At the time, her audience was her adoring mom and her aunts who immediately recognized Natalie’s innate talent for singing.

“I saw a video of Dolly Parton singing “Coat of Many Colors” on the Grand Ole Opry when I was about 2 years old. Ever since then, my dream was to sing, and sing on that stage myself. Her and Patsy Cline were my Idols growing up, and still are.”

Natalie has sung everywhere from churches and schools to rodeos and restaurants. These days, Natalie’s audience has grown dramatically in size as she gains a stronger fan base.

One of the most delightful things about Natalie is that she wants to be a role model for other young people in teaching them that they can always fulfill their dreams.

“When I was little, I skipped a couple of grades so I was two years younger then everybody else. That’s when I lost all of my front teeth. All the kids would make fun of me, so I just want to sing my heart out and do what I love to do and show all the little kids that they can do anything they want.” she said. “I want to show them that they can do anything they set their mind to and achieve their dreams.”

Natalie looks forward to a long, stable and prosperous career in singing, while performing with her band, A Beautiful Mess.

“I don’t have to be a big star. I just want to do what I love for the rest of my life.”