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Shailee Roshong Seemed Destined to Reign as 2011 Snowball Derby Queen

By Chuck Corder

A singer’s success seems somewhat dependent on fate.

That’s not to devalue the importance of talent, but often the “big break� can bring an artist down extraordinary paths.

It was on a yellow brick road where singer Shailee Roshong landed as an opening act for country headliner Tracy Lawrence earlier this year.

The 20-year-old Louisiana native’s journey to being crowned as this year’s Snowball Derby queen followed a similar serendipitous route.

“It’s all about being in the right place at the right time,� Roshong said.

And so it was in the right place of Nashville, Tenn., and at the right time when a friend and Five Flags Speedway fan suggested to Roshong that she pursue her potential Derby sovereignty.

“I honestly thought somebody might have already been chosen,� she said. “But, here I am.�

And she’ll be here at the famed half-mile, asphalt oval during the 44th annual Snowball Derby weekend to perform with her band.

Roshong has opened for the aforementioned Lawrence, country star Craig Morgan, participated in a Disney concert tour and played to packed houses in Branson, Mo.

She knows, though, how momentous of an occasion it will be to play at America’s most prestigious short-track race.

“I feel like it’s a huge blessing,� Roshong said. “Having the Snowball Derby title underneath it, it’s just such a legendary race. God is definitely good. He knows how to open the right doors.�

Even inside tiny restaurants in Lake Charles, La., less than 2 hours from her Leesville, La., home.

That’s where Roshong was this past summer, performing an impromptu set to spell a friend who she had come to watch.

Roshong plugged in her iPod, started belting out tunes and caught the ear of one of Lawrence’s handlers, who happened to be eating in the same joint.

“He told my daddy, ‘I’d really like your daughter to open for Tracy Lawrence,’ � Roshong said. “I said ‘Shut up! Don’t joke daddy.’ Being in that little restaurant with a bigger opportunity waiting for me? It was a memory I’ll never forget.�

She expects a similar experience Derby week.

The only problem might be peeling Roshong away from all the door-to-door action. She has a genuine love for racing that isn’t just lip service.

“I’ve been around it since I was 2,� Roshong said. “I raced go-karts at 4. It’s in my blood.

There’s a small dirt track back home where they race Stingers. I told my daddy to get me a little Volkswagen that I can race on the weekend when I’m home.�

A beauty and a racer? Not a bad package.

Plus, Roshong has other talents that could prove useful during Derby week. She has experience inside a costume.

“I was a hot dog at a festival in downtown Leesville,� Roshong said, laughing.

So if something happens to the original “Snowball,� look no further than Roshong as a last-minute replacement.

Roshong plays mostly country, but likes to mix in some pop and rock music.

“I’m such an 80s junkie,� she said. “I was born in the wrong decade.�

Whatever decade she’s in, Roshong seems destined for success because her blossoming music career has been defined by destiny.

“Even now having fans run up to me and just say, ‘Oh my gosh, Shailee, it’s you,’ that’s such an amazing blessing,� Roshong said. “It’s really a great feeling knowing so many people are there giving support and are helping you follow your dreams.�

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