Bridget Phillips: From Karaoke Nights to Center Stage

Bridget Phillips never set out to be a singer. In fact, the idea of people paying to hear her sing was something she never even considered. Raised in Minnesota but rooted in Venice, Florida, Bridget’s journey into music started in the most unexpected way — through karaoke.

“I only knew three songs,” Bridget recalls with a laugh. But everything changed when her then-boyfriend, Randy, heard her singing in the apartment one day. “His head snapped around, and he said, ‘What was that?'” From that moment, Randy was convinced that Bridget’s voice was meant for the stage — and he made it his mission to push her out of her comfort zone.

What started as three songs quickly grew into a 400-song repertoire. Bridget’s first official performance was at the gazebo in Venice. Nervous but determined, she booked herself for a three-hour set, despite only having three songs ready. “I thought, ‘How am I going to keep people entertained for three hours?'” she admits. But she did — and she hasn’t stopped since.

Today, Bridget is more than just a singer. She’s a dynamic entertainer, a line dance instructor, and a local favorite in the Venice music scene. She teaches multiple line dancing classes and has become known for her high-energy shows, where she often gets the crowd dancing right along with her. “If I’m singing to just one person, they get the same show as a crowd of a hundred,” she says, summing up her dedication to every performance.

One of her standout moments is her rendition of “Purple Rain.” Bridget invites the audience to hold up their phone flashlights, creating a sea of twinkling lights as she sings. “It’s a small but powerful moment,” she says. “Those connections with the audience — that’s what keeps me going.”

Bridget’s resilience is another key to her success. After undergoing two hip surgeries, she didn’t miss a beat. “I taught line dancing right up until the week before my surgery,” she shares. And just ten days after, she was back on her feet, leading classes again.

Now, Bridget is gearing up for her next big show. On May 23rd, she’ll take the stage at Centennial Park as part of the Friday Night Concert Series, sponsored by Venice Mainstreet and Neal Communities. “I can’t wait to see everyone there,” she says.

To stay updated on her performances and classes, visit her website at TheBridgetPhillipsExperience.com. Whether she’s belting out a country classic, leading a dance party, or serenading a crowd of veterans, Bridget Phillips brings her infectious energy, warmth, and undeniable talent to every stage she steps onto.