NORWICH – 15-year-old Norwich native Kaitlyn Jackson made her way with her family to Boston to audition for the hit entertainment show “American Idol” in front of Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. with the hopes to receive the golden ticket to Hollywood.

She has worked tirelessly to garner local and regional attention over the years. But now, Jackson may grab the nation’s attention with her vocal skills.

At the mere age of 12, Jackson set out on what would be the first of numerous trips to Nashville – “Music City.” On one venture, she wrote and recorded original songs with Kent Wells, the producer for Dolly Parton.

Just one year later, Jackson released her debut album of original songs. Included on the record were seven songs written and recorded in Nashville, and one additional that was recorded in Johnson City, NY with Jeff DaBella of Mansion Audio.

In 2011, Jackson was recognized as a promising new and emerging artist by the New York State County Music Hall of Fame and was presented with its 2011 Horizon Award.