Young musician brought on stage to perform with idol Wynonna Judd at Energetic County Fair

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A 15-year-old musician from Moberly Lake got to perform on stage with one of her idols at the Energetic County Fair.

Misty Watson grew up in Moberly Lake as a member of Saulteau First Nations, with parents who fostered her passion for music. 

Her father was part of a local band, The Highway 29 Band, and her mother loved to sing. 

“Ever since I could even remember, I’ve always listened to music, always loved it,” said Watson.

“I truly do have a deep connection to music.”

She learned to play the guitar at eight years old and later the electric guitar from her father and brother, and enjoys music genres like country and rock country. 

Her favourite artists are Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Loretta Lynn and Wynonna Judd.

Watson also harnessed her talent by performing and winning several talent shows on and off her reserve. 

When Watson learned Judd would be performing at Fort St. John’s Energetic County Fair on July 18th at the rodeo grounds, she knew she had to get tickets.

“I grew up listening to her and her music has really touched my heart,” said Watson. 

The eager teen desperately wanted to perform her favourite song, ‘Turn It Loose,’ with Judd. 

“Every time I hear the song, I just remember really good childhood memories,” said Watson. 

Watson arrived hours before the fair opened on Friday, July 18th and sat in the front row with a handmade poster which read, “Wynonna, I love you, can I please sing ‘Turn It Loose’ with you?”

“I just held up the sign and she gave me a little nod,” said Watson. 

She was then helped onto the stage and performed with Judd in front of an audience bigger than anything she had done before. 

“It was absolutely amazing, I was nervous, but I’m standing next to a country music legend, it was just such a rush and I just got right into it,” said Watson. 

Watson hopes to be a professional musician one day and hopes to be an opening performer at her father’s shows.

The aspiring singer also plans to audition for The Voice and America’s Got Talent over the next few years. 

The fair also had performances from Johnny Reid, Darby Mills, Brayden Watson, Kalsey Kulyk, Garry Oker, Skyler Rowsell, Blackbird, Jackson Hollow, Paulette Carlson and more.