From Pampa to Nashville - Arieon Keller Takes a Leap of Faith Toward Her Musical Dreams
For nearly a decade, Pampa native Arieon Keller has chased a dream that now finally feels within reach. Singing her truth on one of the world’s biggest stages has always been the goal. After nine years of auditioning for shows like The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and American Idol, Arieon is officially headed to Nashville for her shot in front of the American Idol judges.
Her selection came as a surprise. It started with an email she nearly dismissed as spam. "I was in my living room with my dogs when I saw it. I called my grandma right away. We were both in shock," Arieon shared in an interview originally featured in The Pampa News. But the shock quickly turned to gratitude, hope, and a firm resolve to make the most of this moment.
Arieon’s story is not just one of persistence. It is rooted in faith. “I’ve never thought of myself as trying to win,” she said. “If I could just get on there, just show people what I’m trying to say, maybe I can make a difference.” That message is clear in her audition song choice, a mashup of Goodness of God and The Blessing by Kari Jobe. Both songs hold deep personal and spiritual meaning for her.
From a young age, music has been Arieon’s natural expression. “The earliest memory I have of singing was in second grade. I used to get in trouble for singing while doing schoolwork because it was distracting,” she laughed. Over the years, that love turned into a more serious craft with vocal training, ear development, and songwriting becoming a regular part of her life.
The defining moment came at a Casting Crowns concert where the power of thousands of voices singing in unison left an unforgettable mark. “I remember hearing the crowd surround the auditorium with just our voices, and I knew the feeling on stage had to be ten times better.”
Now, Arieon has a few original songs on streaming platforms and continues to write. She often leans into emotional, soft-spoken pieces that reflect her testimony. “When I write a song, I clear my mind and focus on what I’m trying to say. I want to be led by God, and I follow that feeling.”
Before taking any stage, she sticks to a personal ritual. She wears a cross necklace, prays, and focuses on her breathing. “I ask God for comfort, peace, and for His Holy Spirit to fill me with love.”
Though she loves solo gigs, Arieon also thrives in collaboration. One of her favorite memories is performing with Ty Blackburn at a New Year’s Eve event in Pampa. “We’re all musicians. We all want to live our dream. Why not do it together and build each other up?”
That community spirit was reflected in her sendoff event. As originally reported in The Pampa News, despite cloudy, rainy weather, the turnout in downtown Pampa moved her to tears. “I was nervous no one would come, but as I turned the corner, I saw the streets full of people. It warmed my heart.”
Her journey began with a humble first gig at Fire Creek Bar and Grill. She credits the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center for helping her become a true performer. “The live music scene here is small, but that place gave me the foundation I needed.”
Photo by T Rod Photography.
Looking ahead, Arieon dreams of forming a band, going on tour, and one day becoming a Christian folk artist who can share her songs and her faith across the world. “Success for me would be opening up for a bigger Christian artist. But honestly, I’ve already been so blessed. I’ve met so many musicians and made new friends to sing and collaborate with. The more the better.”
No matter what happens in Nashville, one thing is clear. Arieon Keller is already living her purpose. Keep up with Arieon and more local artists via Loud and Heavy Booking.
