It’s been a busy season so far for the 2011 South Cariboo Idol finalists, and it’s only half over.
The talented group of 10 singers were chosen as finalists in May and found themselves performing their first gig as halftime entertainment at the Beatles tribute concert in 100 Mile House that same week.
In June, they sang at the local Relay for Life event, and in July, the group put on a show at Jake’s Pub.
The Idol lineup is all female this year and includes Alicia Williamson, Alyssa Lindberg, Britta Westerager, Catie Smith, Josslyn Ryan, Kaitlyn Petersen, Miranda Pettitt, Renee Wilkinson, Vanessa Rhynolds and Niki Watson.
This is the third year Watson, 17, has been an Idol finalist and she says it has been a great experience that has had a huge effect on her ability to perform.
“I’m way less nervous now. I used to be the queen of forgetting lyrics – even songs that I knew.”
Watson has been singing since the age of six, but she says she really found her voice through the Idols contest.
It gave her a reason to explore different types of music, and along the way, she discovered classic rock by artists, such as Pat Benatar, Joan Jett and Janis Joplin, is where she feels really comfortable.
Also a writer, Watson says she is looking forward to debuting a couple of her original songs in the near future.
Kaitlyn Petersen, 16, is involved in the contest for the first time and she loves every aspect of it. She has sung in front of Festival of the Arts crowds for many years, but she appreciates the many opportunities to perform at different events and a variety of venues that come with Idols.
She, too, has benefited from experience in a recording studio environment.
“It’s different to hear your voice come back at you. It’s taught me my range and what different things I need to change.”
Rob Fry of New Age Entertainment in Lac la Hache is heading up the Idol contest, which is in its fourth year.
He says they are a strong group and he’s been working with them individually in his recording studio, preparing sound and video clips that are posted on YouTube on the Internet.
The Idols still have a few performances to go before the naming of the top 3 on Sept. 11.
Look for them at the Iron Horse Pub on Aug. 6, from 8 to 10 p.m. and at the 2011 Kidney Walk on Aug. 14 in Centennial Park.
Their grand finalé concert will be on Sept. 10 at Martin Exeter Hall where they will sing for the public and for the judges one last time.
Fry says the finalé is traditionally their best show of the season as the Idols are more polished and they have a free hand in choosing the music.
Announcement of the winners will take place on Sept. 11 at the South Cariboo Community Fall Fair.
