Andrea Hall, Cincinnati-area singer, selected as top 3 finalist in 'CBS Mornings' contest

What started out as a simple hobby to pay tribute to her late mother has now helped this local singer gain some notable national recognition.

Andrea Hall, a single mother and gospel singer from the Cincinnati area, was recently selected as one of the top three finalists in the "CBS Mornings" Mixtape Music Competition, the show announced Thursday.

A preacher's kid who's been singing in church choirs since she was young, Hall started posting YouTube videos of herself singing covers of songs right after her mother died in 2013.

Now over a decade later, this hobby, as well as singing in the World Outreach Christian Church choir, have helped refine Hall's talents, giving her the confidence to enter the music competition, which in June, prompted entrants to sing a cover of Johnny Nash's iconic tune "I Can See Clearly Now."

Hundreds of musicians, singers and bands from across the country submitted their covers of Nash's song, and Hall emerged as one of the 14 semifinalists a couple weeks ago. She has now advanced to the final round thanks to a fan vote.

"I have been filled with anticipation, but not nervousness. To hear Gayle King say my name live on the air was so cool," Hall said. "I'm excited for my family, friends and supporters who pushed me through the voting round. Their hard work paid off, and I feel all of their love. I'm ready to bring this win home for Cincinnati."

Along with Hall, the other two finalists include Kyndle Wylde from Nashville, Tennessee and Dylan Rockoff, also from Nashville. "CBS Mornings" will announce the winner of the Mixtape Music Competition on their Sept. 3 show, which airs at 7 a.m.

The winner will get to record their song and be featured on "CBS Mornings." Their cover could even become the anthem for the show's new national promotional campaign.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati woman makes finals of national CBS music competition