BY MEGHANNE STOREY for WEEKLY VOLCANO 7/18/25 |
As a child, I wanted to grow up and become one of three things: (A) a rockstar princess—first and foremost—(B) a mermaid, and (C) a veterinarian. When I was eleven, I saw Beaches for the first time, and I was introduced to Bette Midler and her unforgettable character, C.C. Bloom.
Watching C.C. Bloom dance across the screen in Beaches was a defining moment for me. Bette Midler’s bold, unapologetic charisma lit a fire in my soul—I decided right then and there that I wanted to be a rockstar princess. That soundtrack still finds its way into my life, especially on days when I crave a reminder of what makes me feel alive.
One scene has never faded: C.C. dressed as a giant rabbit, singing “Happy Birthday” to a bewildered stranger at his front door. That quirky serenade became her first big break, and something about it struck me deep. I loved the birthday song she sang, and I’ve reimagined it over the years for friends and loved ones—it’s become part of my own personal ritual of joy.
So when I stumbled across a Facebook post from Seattle Musicians about someone looking for a rockstar telegram performer, I had to investigate. To my delight, Rockstar Singing Telegrams turned out to be a real thing—nationwide, even! They partner with musicians all over the country to surprise people with personalized performances, bringing music, laughter, and celebration wherever needed.
Now, I get to do what C.C. did—and step into someone’s day dressed like a dream and gift them with an unforgettable moment. It feels like stepping into a role I’ve been quietly rehearsing my whole life. It turns out being a rockstar princess isn’t just a fantasy—it’s also a way to spark connection, channel joy, and carry a little theatrical magic into the world.
Being a singing telegram performer is incredibly fun and unexpectedly fulfilling. Whenever the company contacts me with a new assignment, I’m always given a character to play: a country star, a rock star, a pop star—or some mash-up of all three. They usually select songs from my YouTube channel that I’ve already covered, so I walk in feeling confident in the music. Whether I’m bursting into a corporate meeting to sing “Happy Birthday,” showing up on someone’s doorstep, or entertaining a birthday gathering in the park, each performance is a one-of-a-kind moment. The reactions—surprise, delight, and sometimes tears—make it all worth it.
It’s also a great way to meet new people and expand my network. Every performance becomes an introduction—to a new fan, a potential client, or a future collaborator. It’s live theater in miniature, and every day brings something unexpected.
One of my favorite assignments was showing up at a brewery to surprise a woman on her birthday. Her friends had hired me as a leather-clad rock goddess, complete with sunglasses, sparkly mic, and cowbell. She screamed with laughter when I walked in, threw her arms around me, and danced through the whole song like we were lifelong friends. That’s the kind of joy that lingers long after the last note fades.
Of course, there are awkward moments too. Like the time I was hired to deliver a surprise serenade to someone’s boyfriend—but he didn’t show up. I stood in a public park in full costume, ukulele in hand, with no recipient in sight. The couple had broken up that morning. But you learn to laugh, roll with it, and sometimes just sing to the geese instead.
If you’ve ever dreamed of doing something wild and theatrical, I can’t recommend this gig enough. You get to dress up, make music, and turn strangers into smiling faces. If you’re interested in becoming a singing telegram performer, I strongly encourage you to reach out to Rockstar Singing Telegrams on Facebook and let them know you want in. They’re always looking for new talent, and the training is simple—if you’ve got the spark, they’ll help you shine.
This journey has reminded me that childhood dreams don’t always fade away. Sometimes they lie dormant, waiting for the right moment to bloom. I may not have gills or a DVM degree, but I am, without a doubt, living out my rockstar princess fantasy—and spreading joy, one surprise serenade at a time.
Check out Meghanne Storey live on stage Sunday at Art on the Ave Festival’s Rotator Creative Stage at noon July 20th near Taco Time on Sixth and Junett Street.
