Shelby Dressel is an 18-year-old singer with facial palsy

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Shelby Dressel is an 18-year-old singer with facial palsy from Avon Park Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iADdvwekPC0
She was on American Idol  (heard about this through “the teenagers”)

(Personally I am NOT big about that show as I could never been in the same room with the “infamous insensitive Simon” bloke    ... Anyway- that is not why I posted here but because I think my fellow ANA buddies, specifically with facial issues, should see this brave talented young woman as she is an inspiration and example of my “keep moving forward” philosophy on life)

She did not make the finalist list but ELLEN (new judge on the show) really liked her and has asked her to appear on the ELLEN show ... and this made news on other channel and networks.
Ellen with Shelby
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/videos/?autoplay=true&mediaKey=e62de4ae-dd79-4ae2-be91-e2959c339d08

This kid has gumption... she has a lot of guts. SO refreshing to see this! Truthfully I don’t normally watch TV (or Ellen) but will when she has Shelby as a guest star... now that she has been brought to my attention  (Ok Ok so it is well known I am a book worm who does not watch TV)... I plan to watch it.

This girl, if she does go more in the public eye, could change many prejudicial views about facial asymmetry and facial palsy. (Her mom must be sooh proud of her! I know I am.)

What an inspiration she is for young people with facial palsy issues!

Shelby’s website
http://shelbydressel.com/default.htm

Anyway... just wanted to share something I heard about ...from my teenagers.

DHM

[Jackie]

I have been a fan of American Idol from the beginning because I truly appreciate great singing voices and there have been many inspirational people on that show! Shelby was a favorite of ours and really did a superb job! I wish she had made the top 24, but unfortunately she was cut. There really is some amazing talent that comes from that show! You don't necessarily have to win to be a true winner, and I think Shelby epitomizes a true winner! Thanks "4" for bringing this to the forum! I do alot of reading also but need my AI fix! Teehee!
Jackie from Beaverton

[jazzfunkanne]

someone sent me this link last week from the facial palsy site, she is a lovely looking girl and great singer

[mimoore]

What a brave girl! My family and I were cheering her on!
She had a lovely voice and it would have been nice to see her go father. I will be watching her on Ellen as well.
Michelle 

[saralynn143]

Good for Shelby! She's a cutie. I wonder about her history, if she has ever looked into T3 etc.

Sara

[lholl36233]

I remember Shelby saying in her audition when she was born, her 7th cranial nerve wasn't fully developed.  She is an inspiration.  She will do great with or without American Idol.

[Kaybee]

I don't watch this show but wish I had to see her perform.  Thanks for sharing the clip!  Very inspiring.

[GM]

What an amazing young woman...God bless her.

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Here is the follow up post (new thread) with link to the video interview with Shelby  on ELLEN.

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=11942.0

DHM

[nancyann]

I am in awe of her....