Local teen finalist in Life 88.5 contest aims to inspire through music and faith
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As Molly Rodriguez approaches her senior year of high school, she's not just preparing for graduation, but the chance of a lifetime: to open for Christian artists Caleb & John and Colton Dixon.
Rodriguez, a vibrant and faith-filled student at Savannah High School, has been singing and playing the guitar since the second grade.
"I got a pink guitar for my birthday one year and at first I didn't like it," Rodriguez said. "I took lessons with Jason Riley at St. Joseph Arts Academy and he taught me a lot of what I know."
Since then, her passion for using her voice to glorify God has only grown stronger.
Now, at 17 years old, she's on the brink of a major breakthrough with the Life 88.5 radio contest as a semifinalist along with two other artists.
"My mom was listening to the radio one day on her way home from work, and she came in and she's like, I heard this thing on the radio that I think you should try," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez entered the contest, forgetting about the semifinal announcement until it was time. She recalls reading an email on the last day of school about her placement and feeling excited about the opportunity.
"I opened it and I was excited," Rodriguez said. "I'm just sitting in my class and I was with my best friend and I leaned over to her to tell her because I hadn't even told anyone. She's like, 'oh my gosh that's so cool'."
The Life 88.5 contest is a tradition in the Kansas City Christian music community offering local artists the chance to open for a major Christian headliner at an upcoming concert.
For Rodriguez, it's not just about music, it's about the message. She hopes her story and her songs will inspire others, especially young people, to boldly share their faith.
"When I first started, it was a lot of nerves but now I've had to learn to just put the focus fully on God," Rodriguez said.
As she waits for contest results, Rodriguez continues to lead worship at her church something she's done since 7th grade, and does Sunday worship a few times a month.
Win or lose, she's determined to keep singing and sharing the gospel, but of course wants to finish high school first.
"I think this would be a great first start in my career," Rodriguez said. "I do need to finish high school first, but after that I think I want to start pushing for something in music."
To vote for Molly Rodriguez in the Life 88.5 contest, go to https://www.life885.com/2025/05/vote-for-the-first-annual-life-88-5-opener/. Results will be announced on June 5th.
Rodriguez will open for Caleb & John and Colton Dixon at the Life 88.5 Free Concert in Kearney on June 21 if she wins.
