Eleven-year-old Stephanie Basurto had her first solo when she was 6 years old.

"I opened a play 'Annie' singing 'God Bless America,' she said. "I had to audition for that and it was also my first audition. I have been singing, acting and dancing ever since."

Since then, Basurto has been in 16 plays at Temescal Canyon High School, Chaparral High School, Fallbrook's Mission Theater and at Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

"Some of my favorite roles were one of the stepsisters in 'Cinderella,' the wicked witch in 'Wizard of Oz' and Mrs. Hannigan in 'Annie,'" she said. "Just this past year, I won a National Youth Theatre Award for oustanding supporting actress in a musical."

Basurtro has also been on a Broadway Bound competition team for the past two years.

"My first year with the team, I went to New York City for Nationals and won first place for my vocal solo," she said. "I was 8-years-old."

Basurto has also performed at a Lake Elsinore Storm baseball game singing the National Anthem when she was 7, and Basurto will be performing once again Feb. 21 at Country at The Merc.

Aside from singing, acting and dancing, Basurto has also played a few musical instruments.

"I took guitar lessons for a short while but got too busy and had to drop lessons," she said. "I have two guitars and pick on them once in a while. I really want to start lessons back. I also have a keyboard and play around on that too."

Basurto loves all kinds of music and says that she doesn't have one person in particular she feels inspired by.

"I think I inspire myself because I have such a passion for singing, no matter what type of music. I sing 24/7 and drive my sister crazy," she said.

With regards to country, Basurto prefers country rock, country blues or fast upbeat country.

Basurto previously performed "Flat on the Floor" by Carrie Underwood and "Falling Down into Muddy Water" by Shelly Fairchild, at Country at The Merc.

"I like the sound of these songs," she said. "I would really like to perform some other favorites of mine but they aren't age appropriate, like 'Before He Cheats' by Carrie Underwood."

Though Basurto has had much success in her young life, she still finds competition amongst girls her own age to be quite stiff.

"I have a very mature voice for my age and I also look older so a lot of roles that I would like to do in plays will go to the little cute girls," she said. "Don't get me wrong, I have had some great roles and also have gotten roles that I wanted but it's been frustrating when I want a little girl role and the little cutsie girls get it for their looks and cutsieness."

Despite present and future competition, Basurto has her sights on Broadway.

"My goals at this moment are focused on Broadway, but you never know," she said. "It's been fun learning country songs and I look forward to working with the band. Who knows, I might get hooked on country after this."

Country at The Merc

When: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 21

Where: The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula

Tickets: $15

Info: (866) 653-8696