“It was my senior year of high school and I knew something had to change, and for me, that change was God,” recalls Dahlia Jones. The now 20-year-old credits her relationship with Christ for everything that has happened and is continuing to happen in her life.
Jones, still on a high from passing the second round of American Idol auditions, can’t stop smiling. Staring at her American Idol golden ticket, she says, “I still can’t believe it! It is only because of God. Thousands of people auditioned and they chose me.” She remembers being a little girl, watching American Idol and hoping to one day be a contestant on the show. To now be in the process is all still surreal.
As Jones waits to see where the ‘Idol’ road will go, she is not skipping a beat in her everyday life. The self-described gospel and R&B singer says that she has catalogs of music waiting to be shared with world. She admits to being conflicted sometimes about doing both genres of music, and often wonders what the Christian community would feel about her singing R&B songs. However, she says she makes sure that every song references God, and feels that both music avenues are a part of her ministry.
The all-around musician who taught herself how to play the guitar by watching YouTube videos, is also a songwriter who has complete creative control of her music and sound. Jones, the oldest sister to five younger siblings, also performs with her twin sister Aaliyah. She recalls them singing along to Disney movies as young girls, and is inspired by their relationship, referring to her sister as “the purest of hearts and her best friend.”
The nurturing spirit Jones has towards her sister extends to all of her siblings, and she takes her role as an older sister very seriously. She interacts with them by teaching Bible studies, helping with homework, attending school functions, and being an all-around good listener. The relationship with her siblings and love for children, is why Jones is now studying Early Childhood Development at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
Jones the musician, artist and student often says, “I am mediocre at a lot of things I do, except children!” She loves children and is using her musical talents to reach them in anyway she can. Being an older sister who is very active in her siblings’ lives, Jones understands the responsibility that comes with being a role model, and feels that her siblings are continuously preparing her for the world.
When asked about what she wants to get out of American Idol, Jones states, “I want the exposure and to be able give back the things my mother has given me.” She remembers her mother traveling long distances to take her to talent shows, competitions and the all-around support and investments it took her to get here.
Jones can be heard singing in Nicolette Avenue venues in downtown Minneapolis on any given day. She uses her appearances as a platform to minster. Through it all, Jones is enjoying the journey. She states “At this time in my life, I am just going wherever God leads me.”
For more information on Dahlia Jones visit her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter.
Julia Johnson welcomes reader responses to jtoles@spokesman-recorder.com.