There was a time when Lindsey Cardinale could blend in as a college student on any campus across the country.
But then she appeared on the popular television show "American Idol" and is now recognized nationally.
Cardinale, who performed Friday evening at Betts Park for the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, was a finalist on the fourth season of "American Idol" in 2005.
Cardinale said Friday morning that she has been balancing singing and school in Nashville, Tenn.
The country singer said she is a journalism student with a minor in songwriting, and she has been fitting in shows between classes.
"I'm such a big school person," Cardinale said, adding that she genuinely enjoys college and when she has a week off, she sometimes doesn't know what to do with herself.
Cardinale, who will sing the national anthem at the pre-parade show Saturday morning and perform again later in the day at Betts Park, said how she was booked to come to Warren is a relatively simple story.
The man she worked with on the "Idol" Christmas album is the publisher of local performer Matt Maloof, she said.
Though this is her first time in Warren, Cardinale said she has been performing on the Fourth of July for the last 12 years.
She said sometimes she gets to perform locally in her home state of Louisiana, but for the last five or six years she has been traveling.
"It's interesting to see new places and see how they celebrate the Fourth," Cardinale said.
Cardinale said since "American Idol," she can't believe some of the things she gets to do, including performing across the country.
"It completely changed my life," she said, "but everything was positive."
Cardinale said after moving to Nashville, she found certain parts of the music industry shocking, but in a good way.
"A lot of great people are interested in helping," she said.
Asked what is next for her, Cardinale had a proud answer.
"Graduation," she said. "I have been in school for so long and changed my major so many times."
She said she expects to graduate in a little over a year, and she has been working on a new album, which she hopes to be released in spring 2010.
Cardinale said she is working with songwriters, but finds it particularly important that she write many of her own songs.
"Before I do anyone else's music, I want to do my own," she said.
Cardinale said so far she is enjoying her time in Warren, but for a reason many would not expect: the weather.
She said it is a nice change of pace from the 100 degree weather in Nashville.
"But I didn't really pack for 60 degree weather," she said with a laugh.
Cardinale will be singing the national anthem at 10:30 a.m. at the pre-parade show and then she will perform at Betts Park from 5 to 6:30 p.m.