JONESBORO, Ark. — Musical talent runs in one Jonesboro, Arkansas family.
Nathan Mathis Sr., his Wife Tonina, and their children Elizabeth, Nathan, James, and Lyrica make up the Mathis Family Band.
“We’re all singing in church,” Nathan Mathis Sr. said.
“We’re all singing in choir, school choirs. They’re playing in band. So, we just decided to put it all together and came up with the Mathis Family.”
For more than ten years, the gospel-singing family has performed together at various venues.
Recently, they had the opportunity to perform on the national stage as contestants on Nickelodeon’s new competition series “America’s Most Musical Family.”
“I tell you what, I was skeptical as I don’t know what,” Mathis chuckled.
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But it was no joke.
The family flew to Los Angeles to compete against 30 musical families for a chance at $250,000 and a recording contract with Republic Records.
Stars Ciara, David Dobrik and Debbie Gibson served as judges.
“It was a challenge and it made you bring your a-game,” Mathis said.
“And we were just ready. It was an experience that brought out the best in you.”
Taping began in July, with the first episode airing Nov. 1.
The Mathis family made it to the top four families, but were eliminated January 17 with their rendition of “Speechless” by Dan and Shay.
“If I’m being real, I was just trying to figure out how,” Elizabeth Mathis said.
“How is this possible?”
“I was shocked. I was shook,” Nathan Mathis Sr. said.
Though the family didn’t take home the grand prize, they said they’re still winners.
“The potential that we have to actually be able to make this our livelihood and to be able to just share our love for God, and our love for each other and family and unity in the world,” Mathis said.
The Mathis family is currently recording material for their first album with hopes to release their single in February.
The Mathis children attended Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA).
The virtual school in Arkansas, allows children to pursue music and do school schoolwork outside normal hours.
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