WS Chronicle

For as long as she can remember, Charmia Dixon has been in love with the arts. The native of Mountclair, New Jersey, said although she doesn’t know exactly when her passion grew, she does remember starring in plays and musicals with her friends as early as elementary school.

“I was in plays in elementary school and I was in after school care doing theater as well, so with that and church my love for theater and singing just developed,” Dixon said.

In her early 20s Dixon developed Glaucoma, which limited her vision. Despite losing vision at such an early age Dixon still found solace on the stage performing and singing. She said music in general is what helped her through the most trying times.

“I had to dig deep within myself to overcome and live my life, and music played a big part in that,” continued Dixon. “Music just has a vibration to it that enhances your mood.”

After living in several different cities over the years, including in Florida, California and South Carolina, in January Dixon moved Winston-Salen to take a position in the optics lab at IFB Solutions. Shortly after Dixon arrived, co-workers at IFB heard her sing and encouraged her to submit a video for National Blind Idol, a singing competition started by Anastasia Powell and Chris Flynt for talented individuals who also happen to be legally blind. For the past four years, the competition has showcased some of the best singing talents from across the country.

After submitting her video, Dixon was chosen to represent the Twin City in the semi-finals, where she sang a breathtaking rendition of “At Last” by Etta James.

“Some friends of mine stated that it would be a great song to showcase my voice and it was. It was smooth, it was rough, it was everything,” Dixon laughed.

The judges thought Dixon’s performance was everything, too, and it earned her a spot in the finals and a chance to win $2,000, recording time in a professional studio and a professional headshot.

The 2018 National Bind Idol is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the Hanesbrands Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 11.

In the finals, Dixon will face off against some tough competition, including Donnie Best (Raleigh, N.C.), Lawrence Carter (Raleigh, N.C.), Brooklyn Geise (Burlington, N.C.) and Mariana VanHoose (Denver, Kentucky). During an interview earlier this week, Dixon said although she’s still fairly new to the area, it’s a real honor to represent Winston-Salem.

“I see it as an honor because a lot of people who work here and are from here welcomed me and they always lift me up. I’m feeling more at home every day,” said Dixon. “I knew there was a reason for me to come here. Some things just happen in life and it just feels like it was suppose to happen and that’s how I feel about the Idol, like it happened on purpose.”

For more information visit www.blindidol.com.