Dawn Padilla, 16, has always “enjoyed singing.” A Santa Fe High junior, Dawn has auditioned for American Idol and America’s Got Talent, has been featured on many albums, and has performed at major venues in and outside New Mexico.

After auditioning for American Idol, Dawn’s exposure increased. She started recording songs and performing at bigger venues, including Isotopes Stadium, Cities of Gold, the Hispano Awards Association, and even in Las Vegas, Nev. With the help of family friend and recording studio owner Archie Maestas, she now has two published CDs.

When it all got started it was “weird and kind of crazy,” Dawn said, but feels “very normal now,” adding that she is very comfortable singing in front of people. Dawn added that her supporters mean a lot — they have helped her get more exposure.

Dawn has performed with many musicians, including MoniKa Evette y Confianza, guitarist Aaron Trujillo, bass player Mario Romero, and drummer Gilbert Sanchez.

Being a musician at such a young age is “different and difficult,” Dawn explained, adding that it’s fun but also very time consuming. Dawn keeps her busy schedule strict.

“It goes how it goes,” Dawn said as she explained her long nights at practice. Sometimes, if they’re on a school night, it affects her the next day. “It sucks,” said Dawn. “I hardly have any free time.” But, she added, “It’s all worth it.”

With the little bit of free time Dawn does have, she enjoys bodybuilding. But for right now, she said, “It’s just a hobby.” She would one day like to compete in bodybuilding competitions, but at the moment all her time goes to being a musician.

Dawn explained how she overcame her fear of singing in front of people at 11 years old by singing at her older sister’s graduation party. A band member was impressed and encouraged Dawn to pursue a singing career. Dawn then started uploading YouTube videos and performing at events.

Dawn said her parents have always been supportive and have helped her “in every way possible.” Karen Padilla, Dawn’s mom, is her manager and arranges her events, works on albums, and sells her CDs. Dawn’s dad, Joe Padilla, and her two older sisters, Raquel and Andrea, are also very supportive. Dawn said they all support her in school as well.

Dawn’s music can be found on YouTube and SoundCloud under Dawn Luz Padilla. Her future plans are to “make it big” and “make a name for [herself].”