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With such a down-to-earth and sweet personality, it may come as a surprise that Katie Turley is not the average college student. The sophomore at DU is a young star with national television exposure, concert dates and a growing fan base that call her “wise beyond her 19 years” and a “voice to be reckoned with.”   

Participating in NBC’s reality show “The Sing-Off!” last season, Turley placed third with her group Urban Method. She is settling back into the routine of school at DU, where she is pursuing a Vocal Performance major with an emphasis in Theatre Performance. Turley, a native of Danvilla, Calif., says that singing has been her passion since birth.

“It’s kind of something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been singing since kindergarten, as much as I could, and realized in high school that performing is my dream, and I chose to follow it,” said Turley.

In high school, Turley focused the majority of her time in choir and did not have time to participate in musical theater. She is now pursuing that passion with her emphasis in Theater Performance.

Entering the Lamont School of Music, Turley was overwhelmed with support and encouragement. The school brings in many outside resources, and students and visiting musicians work together. Turley remembers Nick Sugar, a musical director well-known around Colorado, as a standout guest.

“Kenneth Cox, head of the vocal department, is fabulous. I love the way everyone works together; [the department] really is a tight-knit community that provides so much support,” said Turley.

Turley is a member of DU’s successful a capella group, the Idiosingcrasies. This is where her road to fame began.

“I met Tony [Huerta] through Idiosingcrasies, and when he asked if I wanted to be in a group auditioning for ‘The Sing-Off!’ I thought, ‘Sure, why not?’ I really had no idea what was going to come of it,” said Turley.

After sending in her audition tape, Turley heard in June that she would be competing on national television. The show was recorded during the summer, allowing Turley to only miss the first week of school, when the final episode was filmed live.

The opportunity also gave Turely the chance to meet one of her personal idols.

“I’ve always loved Sara Bareilles and I think she is a fantastic artist. To share a stage with her was very surreal. I buy her songs on iTunes, watch her music videos and now I’m singing with her on television,” said Turley.

Learning to work with group members she had not met before the competition was initially a struggle. The group quickly got to know each other. Their group philosophy was to take it one week at a time and do their best.

Turley’s group, Urban Method, made it to the final three and performed live with the two other groups, Pentatonix and Dartmouth Aires. Despite ultimately coming in third, the group’s popularity has only grown since the show.

“You know, right now Urban Method is really going strong. We have gigs lined up, and we’re thinking of putting out an album. I think we’re going to ride ‘The Sing-Off!’ wave as long as we can,” said Turley.

Turley hopes to eventually start some solo projects as well.

“No matter where you’re from or what school you go to, anything is possible. You just have to put your mind to it. Believe in what you are doing and believe in yourself. A positive attitude will take you far,” said Turley.

Back in school last week, Turley was once more just another DU student, balancing classes, friends, passions and work, just like any other undergraduate. Her story proves that you can never reach too far or try too hard.

See Katie Turley and Urban Method perform live in Denver Feb. 25 at The Paramount Theatre.