Inspire Magazine | Online Teen Magazine

Savannah Outen

Only 14 at the time, she became an internet phenomenon when she released her first video on Youtube, which from there, reeled in over a million hits. Uploading more videos and singing more songs, Savannah Outen from Portland (Yes, "Twilight's" Portland), became a music sensation. Savannah is now 16 and signed with a management group.

Hi Savannah! We're so glad to have the opportunity to interview you, so thanks for sitting down and answering our questions. How are you?

I am great! How are you?:0)

Savannah, it seems that you are just one of the lucky ones who rise from the internet, and become a huge success...how does that make you feel?

It makes me feel great. The internet has done so much for me. It's given me the opportunity to reach out to so many people around the world. Youtube has been such an awesome way for me to post videos of myself playing the guitar and doing my own take on a song that I can't stop listening to at the moment.

What gave you the idea of going publicly online first? Instead of giving your name to music producers?

At the time, my parents were taking me to singing competitions and anything that would get me noticed. Nothing was really working out though or happening for me.. Then my parents found out about youtube. At the time, I didn't really think it was a good idea. I mean posting a video of me singing and people actually watching it just seemed like a weird concept. But I listened to my parents and posted a video of me singing Listen by Beyonce. A couple days later, my video was getting tons of views and people started leaving me comments to post more videos, so I did:0) This has been so much fun for me and has created so many opportunities that I would not have had if I hadn't taken that first step.

Did your parents manage your official youtube page, or did you manage it yourself?

My dad always records me singing my covers and he uploads them for me. I try my best to reply to all the fan messages and comments. I think it's really important to stay in contact with the people who are helping me live my dream. They're the ones who are watching my videos and making me known as the "youtube girl" :)

What were their reactions when you start reeling in thousands of hits?

They love watching the number of hits go higher and higher everyday. Especially when I started out, I would come home from school and they would tell me how many hits I got. To this day, they still check the hits on my videos. For most of your personal singing videos, where is it filmed? I always sing in front of the "famous" white closet. It's in our bonus room. It's so awesome because now I've noticed other girls making youtube videos singing in front of a white closest. I love it! :0)

From Beyonce to Miley Cyrus, your songs are so well chosen...who is your absolutely favorite artist to sing songs from?

I love singing Miley and Taylor Swift songs. They have such great lyrics and melodies. I also love doing covers of songs that no one would expect hearing acoustically and try and do my own take on it.

May you name a few or all of those who you wish to sing duets with?

I would absolutely love to do a duet with Taylor Swift. I want to write with her too. I would also like to do a duet with Colbie Caillat, Celine Dion, Aly & Aj, and Justin Timberlake.

What have you been doing ever since?

I've done so much since Keith signed me. My songs have played on Radio Disney and Goodbyes peaked at number 5 on their Top 30 Countdown. I went to the Hannah Montana Premiere and the Kids Choice Awards, I went on tour with Nat and Alex Wolff and I have been performing across the country at various events. I've also had the opportunity to shoot a music video for both my singles, Goodbyes and If You Only Knew. (Which are available on iTunes cough, cough) I've seen myself in all the Teen magazines... The ones I actually read!!! which is so cool for me!!! Wow! I've done so much! It's all such a dream come true.

What is your biggest goal during your journey of singing?

I have many goals, but I'm going to start with my first goal before the huge ones. I want to release an album. I've been dreaming of holding that CD with my face on it and thirteen songs since I was two. Hopefully in the next year that will happen. I also want to be on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I love her and think it would be a blast to be on her show! My biggest goal is to headline a world wide tour. I love performing so going on a world tour would be amazing. I've been drawing sketches of stages and costumes since I was little, so maybe one day that will come true.

Savannah, we want to get to know you a little better!

As seen on your myspace, you would really like to be on Ellen. Why is that so?

Ellen is so incredible! She is so cute and funny. She can always put a smile on my face. I want to perform on her show and of course dance with her. I just think she would be a blast to hang out with

How often do you watch Ellen?

I try and watch her everyday. I miss a lot of episodes because I travel so much, so I just youtube them.

Are there any other talk shows that you would love to come visit?

I would just love to be on the Racheal Ray show. She is so awesome! And the Regis And Kelly Show. I've watched that show with my mom since I was little.

You are a junior, 16, are you attending a public school? Have you been to the dances and proms?

I am actually a sophomore...This is my first year to be home schooled...It's so much more flexible with my traveling schedule. I am constantly on the go! I did go to public school for my freshman year so I did experience some of the dances like homecoming. I haven't been to prom; but I think it would be fun to go though.

Since you are a major hit online, how is it like in real life? Do your friends know about your fame?

When I first started my youtube channel, none of my friends knew about it. I never told anyone about my singing career. When I would leave for weeks at a time, they would always ask why I was leaving. I would never tell them though. I just didn't want them to think that I was too good for them or that I was showing off and bragging. A couple months after I posted my first video, these two girls came up to me and asked if I was Savannah7448. Since then, everyone knows that I post videos on youtube.

Aside from singing, what else is in stock for you? Are you wanting to be a professional dancer? Actor? I have been dancing since I was two years old. I do hip hop, ballet, jazz, pointe, and lyrical. I would love to incorporate dancing into a show. I would also like to choreograph dances for others. I think acting would be fun too. I have so much fun goofing around with my friends and making home videos with my best friend Kendra. We have a youtube channel called The Savannah and Kendra show. So, acting would definitely be something that I'd want to pursue.

What was the latest movie you have watched?

She's The Man starring Amanda Bynes.

The TV show you are completely obsessed with?

I am obsessed with The O.C, but it's off air. So I watch re-runs all the time. I also love The Office, Gossip Girl and 90210.

Any books?

Twilight!!!

May you name 5 things you can not live without with?

My phone, friends, family, my guitar, and my laptop.

And any 5 things you would change about the world if you could?

I would want to prevent animal cruelty, bullying, poverty, and violence and add more music in schools.

College is just a few steps away, will you be attending? To which ones?

Right now, I am just really focused on my music. Plus, I am only sixteen years old. I'll think about it in a few years. If I do attend college, I want to go to a performing arts college.

To the fans who undeniably love you, what is your message to them?

I want to thank you guys for all the continuous love and support. And thank you for voting for If You Only Knew on Radio Disney. You guys are the reason I am living my dream. I love you all so much and can't wait to continue this journey with you! You guys rock.