CHESAPEAKE -- If angels do sing, they surely sound like 9-year-old Alana Springsteen.
No, she's not related to "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen, but she does have glory days ahead, thanks to her voice. Just ask the seniors at Chesapeake Place, an assisted living and memory care community.
"It is a pleasure to watch and listen to her," said Janet Stappert.
Alana donates her time and sings to the residents, some of whom are in wheelchairs.
"These people just can't go anywhere and I just like to put a smile on their faces," Alana said. "It makes me feel really special."
"It means everything in the world," said Frank Margiotta. "When she comes forward and does the singing, we appreciate it very much."
Alana started singing in church, listening to her father. Since then, she's sung at area events and even caught Governor Bob McDonnell's ear. She got to perform at one of his inauguration parties and sang the national anthem at Harbor Park before a Tides game.
How did she describe it?
"So cool," Alana said.
The man who books the singers at Harbor Park was shocked that Alana wasn't nervous.
"Usually you worry about a child messing up and perhaps not do so well," said Jonathan Mensick, "but she sounds like she's been singing her whole life."
Alana was such a hit for the Tides that the Chicago Cubs invited her to sing the national anthem at their ballpark -- Wrigley Field in Chicago -- on July 17.
She considers it an honor because it's the Star Spangled Banner.
"I love the words. They mean our country is for freedom and we fought for that," Alana said.
Performing in Chicago is a big, early step towards achieving her biggest goal of being on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
She has a message for other children when it comes to realizing their dreams.
"Just keep trying and keep pushing for your goal," Alana said.
