PITTSBURGH, - When asked during the panel interview for Tops in Blue, how she would handle a diva, Airman First Class Lisa Weiss answered: "Flatter the diva."
"Doesn't that get old?" they asked.
"For me, yes. But for the diva, no," she replied.
"They actually laughed at my response," said Weiss, a Pennsylvania Air Guardsman, who was ultimately chosen last month for one of 35 slots on the 2010 Tops in Blue tour, which begins in May.
A food services technician with the 171st Mission Support Flight, Weiss was one of 74 contestants in the Air Force's worldwide talent search held at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
They were broken up into six groups, and Weiss was assigned to a group of 11 people for the entire week.
They were given a schedule of activities filled with auditions, performances and stage support, but Weiss and her group were challenged with constant last-minute changes.
"They told us they will keep us on crazy sleep schedules to get us used to life on the road," she said. "It's not the show that's tiring - that actually gives you energy - it's the travel, set up and tear down of the sets that wears you out."
Weiss began her experience watching a Tops in Blue performance and realizing "just how big of a deal this is." Her excitement grew even more.
"My vocal audition went well. They had me sing just about every song. Then they checked my range with a keyboard and did ear training exercise like harmonizing and intervals," said Weiss. "Finally, I had to take the microphone and lip sync to Lady Gaga's 'Just Dance,'"
But Weiss had more to offer than just her outstanding vocal skills.
She can also play the saxophone. "We did basic keyboard skills, such as scales and music theory knowledge, then they had me play the saxophone. I sight read - thank you Mr. Faldo, my high school band teacher, for preparing me - played something from memory and displayed some dynamics and range abilities," said Weiss, describing her instrument audition.
After these individual events, Weiss still had to rehearse performances with her group. They did skits, acapella singing, dance routines, singing with a band and gave a final performance at the end of the week with costumes, hair and makeup.
Weiss and her group also participated in a Tops in Blue Give Back performance singing an acapella number at the Child Development Center at Lackland for four pre-school classes.
The week ended with an awards banquet at which Tops in Blue performed, and Weiss was selected to sing in the choir.
Weiss said the experience exceeded her expectations. "I was impressed with the level of talent in the Air Force and how much time and emphasis they put into production value," she said. "It is a world class production taken very seriously.
"Going into this competition, I thought it was just a singing contest, but I was amazed at how much more was involved."
Weiss said she learned that Tops in Blue is all about entertaining others. "You are here as an ambassador for the Air Force," said Weiss. "Music touches people's lives … it brings them hope."