Clare Gibney was always keen on going along to Rangitikei Country District Music Club concerts and club days in Marton.
She loved listening to the resident band, headed by band leader Glynis Southall on rhythm, with Trevor Munt on lead, Sue Te Rangi on bass, Boss Te Rangi on drums and Rex Lewis also on rhythm.
She would hum along as she sold raffle tickets at the club days, she said.
But a few weeks before the club hosted its second Country Vocal Talent Quest, she was persuaded by many of the members to give it a bash and enter.
So, with no singing experience at all, she decided to give it a go and worked up a funky version of the Bob Dylan hit Don't think Twice, It's Alright.
She admits if it hadn't been for the fantastic Rangitikei resident band she might not have had the courage.
"They are so fabulous."
Two weeks ago, when Clare stepped on stage, knees knocking and stomach churning, she gave it the treatment ... and won!
"I thought I was hearing things when the judges announced me first."
There were more than 150 people in the audience and the 39 contestants had come in from the Hawke's Bay, Wellington, the Kapiti Coast and all areas throughout Rangitikei.
Two judges, Marie Filby and Alison Stewart were from Marton and third judge Ian Farmer was from Palmerston North.
Since winning, Clare said she was a bit hooked now on her new hobby.
She was already an artist with a gallery at her home in Turakina Beach and worked part-time at Whanganui Prison and the Bonny-Glen Landfill.
Songs are on her mind now every night as she regularly downloads chords and lyrics.
On Sunday she will sing at the club concert at the hall in Marton.
"It still makes me laugh that when I entered the talent quest I did it just to give it a go. I never ever thought of being placed, much less winning ... I still can't believe it, really ... but I have to say it feels really good."
The placings from the talent quest on the October 20 were;
50+: 1st, Clare Gibney from Turakina Beach 1, Bob Cawston 2 and Terri Cawston 3, both of Wanganui.
Not so Old Not So Young: Sarah Whitaker 1, Diane Peachey of Wanganui 2, and Shanesia Milner 3.
Junior Section: Ngarangi Sadlier, James Nuku Bourke and Terina Sadlier.
Organiser Bronwen Newman said the day had run very smoothly, thanks to her team of helpers. "So a good time was had by all."