Ewing Fourth-Grader Sings On Stage With Jake Owen

With thousands of people chanting her name, Gracie Park felt like a rock star as she sang on stage with Jake Owen.

But the Ewing fourth-grader admitted when she was lifted on stage at Divots in Norfolk recently and the country music superstar stopped his show to meet her, she wasn't thinking about how amazing the moment was.

"I was terrified," Gracie said. "But then it was really cool, and I walked around giving everyone high fives."

Owens dedicated the next several minutes to having Gracie on stage with him and told the crowd that he'd been watching Gracie singing his songs and dancing. 

Gracie, the 9-year-old daughter of Gary and Michelle Park, then played Owen's guitar, the keyboards and drums while on stage. But she stole everyone hearts as she belted out "The One That Got Away" with Owen and the pair danced in unison.

"I like that song, but my favorites are 'Beachin' ' and 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' " Gracie said. "It was a lot of fun to sing with him."

Although she was only on stage for about five minutes, Gracie said it felt like a lot longer. It did to her mother, too, who was at the concert with her.

Michelle Park said they weren't planning on going to the concert until her mother, Sharon Welsh of Atkinson, asked if they'd like to ride the KBRX VIP bus to the show. Sitting about 20 rows in and 20 seats to the middle of the crowd, Park said her daughter asked if she could get a little closer and try to get a high five from Owen.

But it became a lot more than a high-five. That's when a couple of girls lifted Gracie to a seat right next to the stage. Once Owen saw that, the spotlight shined on Gracie and he helped her to the stage.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Park said. "People made comments afterward that it was all set up, but it wasn't. It just happened."

Park said everyone treated Gracie like a rock star after the concert, which was just Gracie's second concert ever and her first big show. 

"I've been telling her that this doesn't usually happen," Park said. "And she keeps acting like it's not a big deal. I think she's a little embarrassed by the attention."

As for whether she'd like to see Owen perform again, Gracie has no doubt.

"Heck, yeah!" she said.