For Ivy Liu, singing started long before she understood music theory.
“I started singing when I was four,” she said. “Before I even knew music theory, I just knew singing made me happy.”
That simple love of music has carried Ivy through years of growth as a performer and recently earned her top honors at the 2026 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Budding Talent Vocal Competition.
A three-time participant in the competition, Ivy’s victory is the result of persistence, dedication, and a willingness to keep showing up.
“This is my third year participating,” she said. “Even when I didn’t win, I kept coming back because every year helped me grow. I’m especially grateful to the volunteers who always make me feel supported and inspired.”
For her winning performance, Ivy selected “Shy,” a song introduced by her voice teacher, Michael.
“I love it because it’s funny, energetic, and full of personality,” she explained. “What makes it especially fun is that the character keeps saying she’s shy, even though she’s actually confident and fearless.”
That description might fit Ivy herself.
Beyond singing, she embraces a wide variety of interests and challenges. She enjoys running, writing, public speaking, and musical theater, where she has appeared in numerous productions with North Texas Performing Arts. This summer, she will take on one of her dream roles when she performs as Matilda.
Her accomplishments extend beyond the stage as well. Earlier this year, Ivy was selected as a TEDx Youth speaker, an opportunity that allowed her to share her ideas and experiences with a wider audience.
Music remains at the center of many of her passions. Ivy plays piano, ukulele, and guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument. Recently, she added an electric guitar to her growing collection and is eager to begin learning it.
Ivy Liu on the Singer Songwriter Stage in the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts
Amelia Langley, Fiona Libby, Haven Proffitt, Ivy Liu and Anya Hu
“I enjoy composing my own music,” she said. “I hope to write and perform my own songs one day.”
Her ambitions don’t stop there.
“I have lots of dreams,” Ivy shared. “I hope to perform on Broadway someday, write my own songs, publish my second book, run a 10K, and of course come back to Wildflower next year.”
That combination of confidence, curiosity, and determination has become a guiding philosophy.
“Every time I reach one goal, I seem to find another one waiting for me,” she said. “I believe some of the best things happen when we step outside our comfort zone and dare to try something new.”
When asked what advice she would give to young vocalists considering the Budding Talent Vocal Competition in 2027, Ivy’s answer reflected the same encouraging spirit that has fueled her own journey.
“Wildflower is so much fun,” she said. “Take every opportunity you can. You never know where your talents might lead you. And if you had the courage to show up, you’ve already won.”
Congratulations to Ivy Liu, the 2026 Wildflower! Budding Talent Vocal Competition winner, and thank you for sharing your talent, determination, and joy for music with the Wildflower! community.
Follow Ivy Liu on Instagram and YouTube.
