Santa Barbara’s Newest Teen Star Crowned

Santa Barbara has a new singing sensation.

Jackson Cocciolone was crowned 2016 Teen Star Champion on Saturday night at the Arlington Theatre.

The San Marcos High School student had to overcome big obstacles long before he hit the stage.

“That’s what the blues are all about. Singing through the pain,” Cocciolone said.

The 16-year-old was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 3.

Cocciolone is on an insulin pump that he must take with him everywhere.

“Later on, I was diagnosed with my other disease Hidradenitis suppurativa,” Cocciolone said.

The incurable skin condition causes painful lumps all over his body.

Cocciolone said 12 million people suffer from the disease.

“I had seven or eight on each leg before I knew the diagnosis. I didn’t walk for about six or seven weeks. I sat in the chair. I sat in the bed. That was crazy. One of the craziest points in my life,” Cocciolone said.

Music became his salvation.

“Playing music and discovering it more and more just pushed me through it. It defined me,” he said.

Cocciolone started playing the guitar about a year ago, and performed the blues song, The Sky Is Crying.

He also sang opera and brought people in the audience to their feet.

“I want to keep playing music. I want to just get up on stage and make people happy.”