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The fantastic adventure that brought Audrey out of her village
of Ste-Julienne (in the Lanaudière region) and into
the Canadian Idol television studio – where she charmed
her way into hearts of millions of Canadians – is just
beginning… With her first album now completed, this
young singer – who thought these things could only happen
to others – has stepped right into her new world and
seen her dream come true.
For the 18-year-old singer, the Canadian Idol contest has
been more than a simple wave of a magic wand that transformed
her into a sensation overnight: the significant challenge
of making it to that stage was a great agent of change for
Audrey. While standing before this exacting panel of judges,
she learned to believe in herself; while competing with a
range of singers, both male and female – all of them
with more experience or ability – she learned to persevere;
and while she was giving her first public performance on the
stage of the much-renowned John Bassett Theatre before an
audience of millions, Audrey was able to break free of her
shyness. In short, Canadian Idol proved to be a quick-paced
learning experience that helped her build the skills she would
need to succeed in the career she has dreamed of pursuing
since childhood. As the last female finalist in the contest,
she came out of it feeling completely fulfilled and with a
newfound confidence in her abilities. Her greatest reward
for all of her efforts during that magical summer of 2003
has been the constant support of her fans as she faced her
various challenges and the recognition and greetings she receives
wherever she goes.
Audrey has never faked her personality for the sake of pleasing
other people. Whatever the situation, she remains herself:
it was this natural warmth that the audience picked up on
and grew to like so much. Thanks to the support and encouragement
of her very close family, she didn’t let her sudden
popularity go to her head: she derives confidence from her
family values and the harmony they represent, which serve
as an anchor and keep her grounded: “My mother often
says that the family unit is a chain of strong links, a benchmark.”
She says that she found a second family when she arrived
at BMG. Audrey’s fellow team members – including
Tino Izzo and Diane Cadieux, among others – were touched
by her and worked closely with her to reveal her personality.
This will be evident in her album, and she acknowledges it
with pride: “This collection will represent the real
Audrey.” A singer who loves ballads and who was nurtured
on the voices of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and India
Arie. She’s also a big fan of soul and R&B: both
of these genres, with their hot rhythms and sounds that speak
to the soul and move the body, are the primary source of her
musical education. Audrey’s talent is, before all else,
represented by a warm, intoxicating voice with an unforgettable
grain of soul, who will certainly make her mark on the francophone
and international music scene.
When she’s reminded of the vast amount of luck that
has followed her since the very beginning, Audrey replies
with a half-smile: “I’m fully aware of it, and
believe that I must have a lucky star somewhere. That lucky
star is my grandmother, who encouraged me when I was very
small and who was always there to listen to me. She’s
my guardian angel – and I know that she’s helping
me pursue my destiny from up there.”
This fabulous destiny will come one step closer for Audrey
after the launch, in spring 2004, of her very first album
on the BMG label – so stay tuned…
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