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From a lakeside bar to Hollywood: Statesville woman to debut on 'America's Got Talent'

Dani Kerr got her first guitar when she was 6 years old. Now, the Statesville native will appear on NBC's "America's Got Talent."

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dani Kerr got four yeses and a standing ovation after auditioning for  "America's Got Talent." Read the full story here.

Original story continues below.

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Singer Dani Kerr will audition on Tuesday's episode of "America's Got Talent," marking an incredible opportunity for the Statesville native. 

Kerr got her first guitar when she was only 6 years old and taught herself to play. By the time she was 16, Kerr began performing at Waterside Bar and Grill in Catawba. 

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"This was the place that started everything for me," Kerr told WCNC Charlotte about the Catawba bar. "The community that's here has been so supportive of me from day one since I started doing karaoke."

Her road to "AGT" didn't come without its challenges. Kerr was born with a cleft palate, which had to be surgically repaired. It didn't stand in her way, though, and she wrote her first song at 5 years old. 

"I don't know how this came up in my mind, but I decided I was going to sing a song about my last day of kindergarten so I sang this little song," Kerr said. "I wish I could remember it but I don't."

Kerr shared her excitement about the America's Got Talent opportunity in a Facebook post.

"I am incredibly thankful that AGT sought me out and wanted my original tunes," Kerr posted. "The crew and everyone is absolutely amazing, and the experience so far has been unfathomable!!" 

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Well, it’s time to let the cat outta the bag… 🎉 I will be on Season 18 of America's Got Talent starting June 20th, 2023! 💙❤️🤍 I‘ve been keeping this secret for a while now, and I’m so happy to finally be able to share!!! Tune into NBC at 8pm EST on this date to see what happens! ✨ Thank y’all so much for the love and support on this wild ride so far! 🫶🏻☮️🤩 ** I have to add.. I am incredibly thankful that AGT sought me out, and wanted my original tunes! The crew and everyone is absolutely amazing, and the experience so far has been unfathomable!! 🖤

Posted by Dani Kerr on Thursday, June 8, 2023

Kerr's audition episode is set to air on June 20 at 8 p.m. on WCNC Charlotte.

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