A former server at a Tamaqua restaurant will hit the big time tonight.

Vocalist Samantha Johnson, 26, will be showcased before an international television audience of more than 10 million when she steps on stage to compete in "America's Got Talent," NBC's top-rated summer series. The show begins at 8 p.m."It's been exciting," said the former Tamaqua resident on Monday at the Tamaqua train station, where, in 2013, she worked as a member of the waitstaff."I'll be nervous watching it."Johnson grew up in Massachusetts, but Tamaqua is just as much her hometown as New Bedford, where she attended high school.For a time, she lived on Hazle Street with her grandmother, Gloria Smulligan, following the death of her beloved grandfather, Kenneth Smulligan.Smulligan was a former council president who oversaw restoration of Tamaqua's 1874 Philadelphia and Reading Railroad passenger depot until his passing in 2013.The family also is well-known for running Smulligan Glass.Memories of her time spent in Tamaqua are special for Johnson."I love Tamaqua. I spent quite a lot of time in Tamaqua over the past five years," she said.She is currently staying in Summit Hill with her mother, Denise Smulligan.Johnson has been active in theater and has sung most of her life. She received coaching from her mother, a musician, and is largely self-taught as a vocalist.Slowly, she's being discovered."I've been on the road," she said.In fact, she's been touring as lead vocalist in Michael Jackson's "Thriller Live" in London. She's also appeared in Japan, Scotland, Australia, Germany and other countries.At home, she performed the role of Diana Ross in a New York tribute to The Supremes.Her performance on tonight's "America's Got Talent" show will serve as her major debut in her home country.It'll also evoke a sense of sadness for Johnson, as it brings back a special memory of her devoted grandfather."The last time I saw him we were watching 'America's Got Talent,'" she said.Johnson wouldn't reveal the name of the song she chose to perform, or even hint at the genre."I want it to be a surprise," she said. She did say, however, that it's a song that will showcase her abilities.The audition was taped recently in Los Angeles.The versatile singer performs rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, soul and even classical.One of her immediate goals is to produce an album this year.She'd also like to pursue another special ambition."Broadway! My life dream is to appear on Broadway."If Tamaqua area residents have a vote, that dream will become reality."Everyone in town knows her," says Gloria Smulligan."She's the one who did the tribute to Kenny at the train station. And when she worked there, she even sang to customers."Johnson said restaurant patrons enjoyed the impromptu entertainment. She said she was happy to work as a server at Vonz Restaurant because it helped her earn some extra cash."I was singing there all the time. It helped with tips," she laughs.For local residents, the biggest tip might be to turn on NBC tonight at 8 and watch contestant number 9.Johnson is hoping everyone in Carbon, Schuylkill and Monroe counties will root for her.