Michele Willis grew up in Hoover listening to her mother play piano. She realized her love for music at just four years old.

“It’s always been a part of my life,” she said. “It’s something I loved and always have.”

People at Tallassee’s Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center got to experience her passion on Saturday. Willis won the second annual “Alabama Has Talent” contest.

“There was so much talent,” said Willis, who admitted she was surprised when her name was called. “There were so many that were so good. I was so impressed.”

Willis’ mother was a church pianist and organist. She also played and sang for a gospel quartet. It was kind of a natural for her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

“I started taking voice lessons in high school. I had to try out for the adult choir at my church when I was 15. I was in drama and music theater.”

On Saturday, the crowd and judges were impressed with Willis’ performance on a big song choice, “I Will Always Love You,” a hit for both Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston.

“That’s kind of my signature. I have friends that will be like, ‘You’ve got to do that one.’ It’s one I felt comfortable with because I’ve done it so much. It’s one of those that’s like a sacred cow. You get one shot, so I was like, let’s go for broke.”

As far as aspirations for something beyond Alabama, Willis has considered it.

“I’ve had a couple (say), ‘Why aren’t you doing “The Voice” or “American Idol?”‘ When American Idol first came on, they had age limits, and I was right there on the cusp. I don’t know. It’s certainly something to think about. It would be fun.”