I think everybody has fantasized at least once about becoming a rock star.

It’s not a bad fantasy. After all, you get the rush that comes with knowing most audience members have temporarily abandoned distractions to listen to you.

Of course, the prevalence of the dream makes the reality harder to achieve.

The music world’s elusive “It” factor doesn’t leave much room for shortcuts.

Go ahead, flaunt your industry connections and grueling training. That doesn’t mean you have “It.”

This weekend’s live music highlights span three especially intriguing options. Look closely and you might find “It.”

Chelsea Crowell

Nashville-based artist Chelsea Crowell will bring traces of Americana, folk and rock genres to Spicoli’s Friday night.

Maybe Crowell’s confidence is the best testament to the show’s appeal. “If I didn’t feel passionate about my music, I wouldn’t play it,” she recently told me.

Oh yeah, Crowell also has some famous family members. She’s the granddaughter of Johnny Cash and the daughter of Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell.

There was a period when she avoided that fact in interviews. Then, something changed. “I just grew up,” Crowell said. While her family ties might initially hook your interest, Crowell’s music can hold a crowd’s attention on its own.

The Friday show also includes music by Joey Allcorn and Jay Hinkle and The Poison Whiskey Band. A $5 cover starts at 9 p.m., music starts at 9:30 p.m. Spicoli’s is at 5762 Milgen Road in Columbus.

Siamese Dream

Revisit a variety of ’90s hits when Siamese Dream, an Atlanta-based Smashing Pumpkins tribute act, comes to SoHo Bar and Grill Friday night. Action starts at 10 p.m. and cover is $5. SoHo is at 5751 Milgen Road in Columbus.

Karaoke contest

Maybe the next global music sensation has humble roots as a karaoke star. Does that sound like you? If so, enter the Karaoke World Championship USA Contest at the Lake House on Lake Harding (9883 Lee Road 379, Valley, Ala.).

The contest starts Friday and runs every week through April 20 (final round). It’s open to all ages and winners can advance to other championship levels. Some winners will have a chance to be on ABC’s Karaoke Battle USA Season 2.

It’s $25 to enter, free to watch. Entries are limited to 10 singers per night. The contest starts at 8 p.m., but organizers recommend singers arrive by 7:30 p.m.

For more information, click here or call 706-573-7635.

Sonya Sorich, reporter, can be reached at ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8516.