Info. Sur Les Candidats De Canadian Idol 4
Eva Avila
Age: 20
Hometown: Gatineau, QC
Audition City: Ottawa, ON
In the 10 months since Eva Avila first stepped in front of Canadian Idol's judges, the soulful Gatineau diva has undergone a life change few could imagine.
Last year at this time she was working as a postal clerk. Now she's preparing for her upcoming national tour promoting her chart-topping album.
Yes, one audition can change your life.
"Even though I haven't changed as a person, all aspects of my life have," she told Eye on Idol in a recent interview. "This new hectic and busy schedule is lots of fun, but sometimes I do miss my little quiet time."
Immediately after winning the competition in September, Eva spent a day meeting the national press-- then launched right into the enormous task of sifting through song selections for her debut album. Her first single, "Meant to Fly," had been recorded by all of the Top 3 competitors so it was ready to hit radio stations the day after her coronation.
The rest of the album took about two months from start to finish and was released on Nov. 14. In that time Eva also filmed a hot dance party-themed music video for her second single, "I Owe It All to You," signed a contract with Ford Models and did cover shoots for numerous national magazines.
She's had to get used to being a bona fide celebrity living her life in the limelight, and to all the hard work that comes with it.
"It's very weird to get recognized almost everywhere I go," said Avila, who has moved to downtown Toronto since becoming the Idol. "But it's always very flattering... I do miss being able to relax at home without any specific plans, (to) just hang out with my loved ones and not have anywhere to go."
Eva says her family and friends have been instrumental to her success from day one. Her family has supported her interest in music since she was three years old, when she would perform on the streets of Ottawa's Byward Market with her "one-man-band" father, Carlos.
She came armed with a supportive entourage of her nearest and dearest when she tried out for Canadian Idol -- and said she was glad to have the backup when she got some less-than-encouraging feedback from the judges.
"I waited about 14 hours," she said. "I was extremely nervous... When it was my turn, I felt ready, but very, very shaky. The judges were... well, not very nice to me. They were pretty much trying to test me, and they were not very impressed with my singing. They suggested I show more vulnerability.
"After a lot of hesitation, they finally decided to give me the gold ticket. After that audition I really felt like I was going to have to work insanely hard to impress them when I got to the Top 200. I did, and... it was very worth it."
After everything she's gone through this year, Eva encourages anyone who tries out for Idol to be ready for something that could turn their reality upside down.
"It's a humungous plunge into the wacky world of show business, so you have to be ready for it," she said. "(Canadian Idol) will change your life forever."
Craig Sharpe
Age: 16
Hometown: Upper Island Cove, NL
Audition City: St. John's, NL
After placing an extremely close second to Eva Avila in Season 4, Craig Sharpe has not been letting his star power and killer pipes go to waste. In fact, he's set to release an album in late February.
His first single went to radio on Tuesday, Jan. 9, according to artist manager Steve McAuley, who manages the Moca Music label with "Canadian Idol" bandleader Orin Isaacs.
Titled "When They Know Your Name," the song has an upbeat "dancy" vibe, and showcases Sharpe's great versatility.
It's a trend that continues throughout the rest of the "I Am" album, Sharpe told Eye on Idol.
He said he wanted to stay true to his fans, and made an album filled with enough pop, country and even some Newfoundland classics (including "Danny Boy") to keep everyone interested.
"It's really just the type of album I was hoping for," said Sharpe, who has taken up piano and wrote multiple songs on the CD. "I'm really excited. I really can't wait for it to go out."
The record is set for release on February 27 with national distribution from EMI Music, according to McAuley. Video and national tour plans are also in the works, he said.
"It's a very strong record, and a bit of a tip of the hat to his fans," McAuley told Eye on Idol. "His primary demographic is 10 to 18. The majority of his fanbase is female... The girls love him."
In addition a hectic schedule that has involved many trips to Toronto to record, Craig has also been busy participating in community events in his home province, and recently spent a day at Janeway Children's Hospital just hanging out with some young fans.
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