'Icon' winner hopes to make MacDill proud

Published Aug. 16, 2012
By Nick Stubbs
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tech. Sgt. Sonya Byson says she's "pretty much at home with a microphone" in her hand, and that confidence paid off recently when she took home the title of MacDill Icon.

Byson, a maintenance scheduler with the 6th Maintenance Operations Squadron, went up against a number of MacDill entrants, in the end winning the hearts of judges with her version of the sultry jazz standard,"Summertime."

"It was pretty shocking," said Byson of her win. "It was cool, especially since I decided (to enter the contest) so late in the game."

Byson said she began singing as a young child, and that she's since received a lot of positive response. In 2007 she began entering singing competitions, enjoying recognition from audiences and judges for her vocal chops. She also said the contests have helped her fine tune her singing.

"It teaches you patience and you learn how to do better, and also what it takes to get a win," said Byson, whose victory at MacDill qualifies her for the AMC Idol contest at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. in October.

"I'd say I'm very excited," she said of the upcoming contest. "Singing is in my blood and I want to make MacDill proud, and do my very best."