Bermudians know Patrina “Power Girl” O'Connor-Paynter as the woman who can command a crowd, bring energy to any event and make an audience feel like they're part of the show.

What some may not know is that long before she became a popular emcee and host, she was a gospel singer who performed alongside her mother and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the genre.

“Before I became known for holding the microphone as an emcee and host, I was a well-known gospel singer here in Bermuda,” she says. “Music has always been a passion of mine and I also enjoy writing songs. While most people see me using the microphone in a different capacity these days, singing will always have a special place in my heart.”

Her musical roots run deep. Both of her parents were singers who performed at hotels around Bermuda and Patrina was introduced to the stage almost as soon as she could talk.

“When I was about four years old, my parents discovered that I had a pretty good voice, so they started putting me in nursery school productions. I was even featured on TV singing When a Child Is Born by Johnny Mathis. Now, here's the funny part... I was singing and picking my nose at the same time! Clearly, I had the voice but my stage etiquette needed a little work!”

By the time she was 8, she was performing with her mother after unexpectedly stepping in when another singer cancelled a duet.

“My mom was about to cancel the performance when I said, 'Mom, I can sing it with you!' I then started belting out the song and, to her surprise, not only did I know all the words but I could hit the notes and sing the harmonies too!”

That impromptu performance marked the beginning of Pat and Patrina O'Connor, a mother-daughter gospel duo who became familiar faces at concerts and events across Bermuda.

They went on to open for internationally renowned gospel artists including BeBe and CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams.

“There was a time when I felt like I was singing at just about every event on the island. Singing was such a huge part of my upbringing and sharing that experience with my mom made it even more special.”

Another unforgettable moment came during high school, when she won a major singing competition in Dockyard with an original composition, Help the Homeless.

The prize included an all-expenses-paid trip to Barbados to represent Bermuda at the Caribbean Song Fest.

“When my mom and I arrived in Barbados, I couldn't believe the reception we received! We were picked up in a stretch limousine, interviewed by TV and radio stations and treated like royalty!

“Looking back, it wasn't just about the excitement or the celebrity treatment. It was about a young Bermudian girl getting an opportunity to share her talent and something she had created with an audience beyond our shores.”

Although her career eventually took her in another direction, Patrina admits she misses singing.

“Singing genuinely makes me happy! When I sing, I feel a sense of freedom and joy. When I'm singing gospel music, it's even more special because I feel a deeper connection to God.”

There is, however, one small obstacle to a musical comeback.

“As much as I love singing, I don't particularly enjoy practising! I guess I love the finished product more than the preparation. Who knows, maybe one day I'll pick up the mic and start singing publicly again. I'll just have to get myself back into rehearsals first!”

These days, between her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda and her busy schedule as an emcee, Patrina is learning to make more time for herself.

And despite the larger-than-life personality audiences have come to know, she says the woman behind Power Girl is surprisingly private.

“People might find it hard to believe but after being out and about bringing all that energy, I can go home and just sit in silence. No TV or music. Just me and my thoughts, and I'm perfectly happy with that!”

Her happiest moments are often spent with family, her dog Chewy and her grandson Kross, or simply sitting by the water enjoying the scenery.

“I love people and enjoy going out but put me in a large crowd when I'm not hosting and I can feel like a fish out of water! Yet hand me a microphone and I can stand confidently in front of hundreds or even thousands of people.

“Power Girl may be comfortable on stage but Patrina is just as happy away from the spotlight!”