Singer and songwriter Deanna Della Cioppa knows how to connect with an audience.

In live performance, she can make listeners feel like they're "just hanging out" with her--even as she soars into Streisand hits, or delivers a very personal-sounding interpretation of "On My Own" from Les Miserables.

You'll recognize Deanna as the main talent of Christmas 2014's "Big Lots" commercials.  Her professional resume includes co-writing and singing the 2000 dance hit "Higher", as well as singing for Patti LaBelle, performing with Cece Winans and more than fifty film, television and DVD projects, including "Sex and the City" and "Lipstick Jungle".  She's also a featured vocalist on numerous national ad campaigns.

But, most people remember her best from Season 8 of "America's Got Talent"--and more than a few didn't agree with her elimination from the competition.

Despite more than two thousand "likes" on her Facebook page,  Deanna says she doesn't have "fans".  She prefers friends, and would really like to have you connect with her, and/or follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@deannabombchica).  You can also see some of her performances on her YouTube channel, and her blog includes all her social-media links.

Deanna talked about her background, her recent performance experiences and her exciting current project: her first solo album!