Country 'Star' has Hawaii roots

Although her official biography makes no mention of it, aspiring country music star Tasha Valentine — a longtime singer who also works as a Marilyn Monroe and Patsy Cline impersonator — is an island girl. Also known as Natasha Kaiulani Valentine, she is one of a dozen finalists hoping to get their big break on “Nashville Star,” country music’s answer to the pop music sensation “American Idol” (a show for which local boy Jordan Segundo recently gave his all).

Born in Honolulu, Valentine is the goddaughter of Society of Seven singer Bert Sagum and was close to the family of Emma Veary.

“You might say the Society of Seven practically raised me,” Valentine said in an interview with the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

Valentine left Honolulu at a young age, moving first to Dallas, Texas, and later to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where her musical ability and interest really blossomed. She performed with big bands, rock and jazz bands, and even in opera.

Things really took off when she was hired by the Legendary Superstars impersonators troupe to play Patsy Cline. She became a core member of the company, and expanded her repertoire to impersonate Marilyn Monroe.

She has performed at Santa Ana’s Star Casino in New Mexico, and most recently on South Padre Island, Texas.

Valentine currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Nashville Star” debuts tonight on the USA Network, airing weekly until the grand finale on May 3. The show features guest judges including Clint Black and Wynona Judd and calls for one contestant to be eliminated each week. The show’s producers, however, have thrown in a dollop of “reality TV,” as the contestants will live together in a house wired with cameras and microphones.