NATCHEZ — One Ferriday High School senior is taking her singing talent to the NBA court as she is scheduled to lead the national anthem tonight in New Orleans.

Starting at 7 p.m., Lillionna Campbell’s voice will be broadcast on national television from the Smoothie King Stadium before the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Dallas Mavericks.

Darlene Gilbert, the music instructor for the Concordia Parish talented program, said she has worked one on one with Campbell for three years. However, Gilbert said Campbell makes her job easy.

“Whatever ‘it’ is, this child has it,” Gilbert said. “She’s a great singer, a great dancer, and she is an all-around terrific young lady. She makes my job easy. All I have to do is sit and play the piano and she does the rest. … She has a very powerful and soulful voice. … She’s just a natural.”

Gilbert said she was blown away when Campbell announced she had been selected to sing at the game, though Campbell made it seem like another day in her high-school gymnasium.

“I knew she had tried out, but I had no idea when she was selected,” Gilbert said. “I told her ‘Are you kidding me? This is a huge deal.’ … I’m really excited for her and she is taking it with a grain of salt.”

By Tuesday afternoon, Campbell said the nerves were just starting to kick in. However, Campbell is not worried, she said.

“My first ever performance was when I was in the third-grade in a talent show at my school. I cried then because I was so nervous, but I made it through the performance,” she said.

“Now, I still feel nervous. I sang the national anthem at my high school’s football games and I just ease through it — but this is going to be on national television, with a lot more people. … It feels like that first time in third-grade, but I know my voice is stronger now and I’ll make it through. … Even if I mess up, I know people will accept me for who I am.”

Campbell said her principal, Quinton Calhoun, pushed her to submit a video audition for the part.

“I was so astonished and bubbly,” Campbell said. “I really praise Mr. Calhoun, because if he hadn’t pushed me, then I never would have done it. … I am nervous, but at the same time I feel like if I pray about it then there should be no worries.”

Campbell is also a member of her school’s dance team, “The Southern Bells,” and the marching band. When she graduates, Campbell said she plans to study dental hygiene at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

She is the daughter of Darian Promise and Tonya Campbell.

Campbell said her mother, Tonya, inspires her the most to pursue her dreams, no matter how tough they are to achieve.

“No matter how hard life gets, she always pushes through and tries to make the best out of every situation,” she said. “She never gives up. … I appreciate my mother for pushing me. I wouldn’t be the strong singer that I am if it wasn’t for her. I also appreciate my fans in Ferriday and all over.”