This struck me as an ah ha moment during the 2024 MRUSA competition and I knew, we had to chat about this! - Jessie Lynn®

On January 14, 2024, Kaelanne Quinonez was crowned YOUR Miss Rodeo USA 2024 at the Lazy E Arena during the 54th performance of the International Finals Rodeo. A Sunday she will never forget, Kaelanne is excited and proud to carry the title of Miss Rodeo USA for a year, promoting the IPRA and MRUSA organizations and advocating for rodeo and ag across the country.

Kaelanne is no stranger to horses and all things cowgirl, she was born and raised on the Central Coast of California, where she fell in love with horses at the age of 4. Her mom and dad soon found out that this love of horses and all things cowgirl was in fact not a phase and that it was a passion that was as organic and unexpected as the path she would take to Miss Rodeo USA many years later. Kaelanne and her family experienced a lot of firsts together: first horse which turned into horses, first show, first IFR, and first rodeo queen titles. Kaelanne could not be representing the organization and sharing her passion for the west like she is today without the support of her fireteam at home.

She left her hometown when she was accepted into Texas A&M as a Master’s student, where she spent a year studying ecohydrology and the effects of drought on ranches in west Texas and where she graduated with her M.S. in Business. This proud Aggie wants to use her education and first hand experiences to promote rodeo, agriculture, and western from coast to coast, preserving traditions and promoting the future. During her year as Miss Rodeo USA, Kaelanne plans to do this by traveling to rodeos in the US and Canada, speaking at schools, town halls and conferences, and using social media to promote the sponsors of and the sport of rodeo.

​Rodeo is a team sport: a team between roughstock and rider, sponsor and contestants, the organization and fans. Rodeo queening is a team sport. In fact, all aspects of the western industry require team effort and collaboration. Kaelanne is excited to be a contributing part of this team, of a family that makes America special and unique. She knows, and wants to share the message, that when teams put their nose to the grindstone, everyone benefits and can keep their eyes to their dreams (or rhinestones). - Bio Provided by the Miss Rodeo USA Association

Lee’s father, a cab driver, taught her to play the guitar at age seven and they would sing together while she rode around town with him in his taxi going on calls. “My Daddy, who named me Brenda Lee after the amazing country singer, would always tell me one day you will be playing at the Grand Ole Opry and from that point on I knew I wanted to be a performer.”

Heavily influenced by legendary musicians like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, The Judds Lorrie Morgan Susan Tedischi and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lee’s personal sound is a mix between traditional Country and raspy Blues with an added Southern Rock flare.

When Lee was 20 years old, she joined a couple of bands and taught herself to play the drums. She travelled to New York City and had the privilege of singing backup for Artimus Pyle, Leslie Hawkins and JoJo Billingsly – three original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

In 2020, Lee won “Vocalist of the Year” at the Josie Music Awards. Her 2021 EP Undamaged, which she wrote, won “EP Album of the year” at Josie Music Awards and also Top 20 Best of 2021 for Women of Country. Lee’s newest full length album UNLEESHED, was released April, 2022. Lee wrote 9 of the songs on it. She won “Album of the year” at the Josie Music Awards show that was held at The Grand Ole Opry. She also was nominated for Song of the year with Carolina, and Artist of the year for Women of Country Best of 2022. UNLEESHED has artist Leona Williams, Pam Tillis, Lee Roy Parnell, Mike Rogers & Tim Watson appear on it.

Lee has opened or performed with legends Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Ronnie McDowell, T Graham Brown, Diamond Rio, The Gatlin Brothers, TG Sheppard, Edwin McCain, Leona Williams, Lee Roy Parnell, Rhonda Vincent & more." (Bio provided by: https://leenewtonofficial.com/)

This storyteller is one that you do not want to miss. Be on the lookout for some new music, tour dates, and special announcements! Ya'll please help me welcome Lee Newton to the Be a Dreamcatcher Podcast family!