Finalists at Sunday’s Kiwanis Idol finale said they hoped to use the competition as a launching pad for superstar musical success.
Eleven singers belted out everything from country to pop music at the Place d’Orleans shopping centre, trying to impress the panel of judges.
“They need to have the whole package,” said judge Diana-Lynn Lid. “Can't be afraid to sing, can't be afraid to perform, they have to give us the whole gamut.
“It feels like home, you get to perform in front of so many people,” said Michelle Treacey. “I really hope to sell out Madison Square Garden one day, that's the biggest dream"
Last year’s winner Jordan McIntosh returned as host of this year’s contest, giving him a chance to remember his big win.
“They just said my name and I was like ‘What? No!’” he said. “At first I was just like ‘What? Oh! That's my name!’”
Kiwanis Idol has become an Ottawa tradition, giving hundreds of young people the chance to perform every year.
“I really love the rush I get,” said 17-year-old Laura D’Amico. “It’s something I've always done so I can't imagine not doing it.”
“You can be yourself, you're not competing to be like everyone else,” said 16-year-old Ally Maheral. (If) country is your type, you have to express it your way.”
In the end it was Munster Hamlet’s Maheral who took the crown, worth $2,000 of recording time.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Claudia Cautillo
