A rising star at only age 10
At only 10 years old, Joseph Luna has already established himself as a rising star in the country music industry. For the second year in a row, he won both the “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Male Entertainer of the Year” in his age category (7-12 years old) at the North America Country Music Associations International competition held at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Participants from the United States, Canada, England and Australia competed in the week-long event that wrapped up Sunday. They showcased their talents in new country hits, traditional country hits, bluegrass, traditional gospel and new gospel. Joseph participated in the traditional country category.
Joseph Luna
Joseph’s parents, Joseph and Shannon Luna, own the PZA Restaurant in the Canyon Lake Town Center and often bring musical talent into the restaurant to entertain guests.
Music has always been a part of little Joseph’s life, and he has been singing and dancing since he was a toddler. His passion for singing led him to singing lessons in March 2021 with vocal coach Gwyn Sanborn. She encouraged Joseph’s parents to have Joseph enter the competition in Tennessee.
Shannon wasn’t able to go to the competition last year because she was needed to keep the restaurant open. This year, she and Joseph were able to be there together.
“I had to tell Joseph to chill on the Elvis moves, and no Steven Tyler air guitar,” Shannon said. She said Joseph loves both entertainers and enjoys emulating them on stage.
Joseph takes advantage of his parents’ PZA ownership by jumping up on stage and singing with the bands or opening up the karaoke night.
“Joseph hijacks almost all the bands that play here to at least sing one song with them,” Shannon said.
Joseph Luna
PZA has had some performing arts classes in the past for kids and hopes to offer more classes this spring and summer. Joseph and Shannon are big supporters of the arts. PZA offers many classes and entertainment at their restaurant. PZA was just named Business of the Year by the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, largely because of its support and hosting of community events.
Joseph isn’t just a country singer. Shannon said his musical taste is diverse and he enjoys singing everything from the Beatles to AC/DC. His favorite song at the moment is Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine.” Joseph is an old soul. He loves the hits of the 1970s.
Despite his young age, Joseph has already performed his favorite songs in a showcase at PZA, where he was enthusiastically received by the crowd. With his recent competition wins and growing popularity, it is likely that Joseph will soon be offered a recording contract of his own. He said that’s his goal. He hopes to become a famous singer one day.
With wins at international competitions at just 10 years of age, it appears he’s well on his way to achieving that goal.