Maria Wirries sings a show tune (VIDEO)

Maria Wirries burst onto the downtown Sarasota arts scene three years ago when she belted out “New York, New York” at The Players Theatre’s 2008 Talent Explosion.

At the urging of her Juilliard-trained piano teacher, Maria, then 10 years old, auditioned for the competition, slipping onto the program as a late entry at the last minute.

Though the singer didn’t place first, she received a standing ovation that lasted nearly two minutes.

Now 13, Maria, a student at Manatee School for the Arts, is a sought-after soloist. In this week's Diversions cover story, the East County teen discussed her newfound fame, her upcoming concert and of course, sang us a Broadway ballad.

Scroll down to see video.