Publié : sam. sept. 09, 2006 4:32 pm
Citation :Sharpe, Avila will race to finish line as friends in competition
Sharpe, Avila will race to finish line as friends in competition
By TIM ARSENAULT
Newfoundland’s Craig Sharpe is on the verge of establishing a new pinnacle in Rock music.
The 16-year-old Canadian Idol finalist from Upper Island Cove has already done as well as fellow Newfoundlander Rex Goudie, last season’s runner-up in the CTV singing contest.
With a little encouragement from the veteran, Sharpe is preparing for Monday’s final performance episode of the season.
"Rex’s advice that he’s been giving me for a long time now is just be yourself. That’s it. Rex came this far and he knows exactly what I’m going through here. He’s really supportive," said Sharpe during a conference call from Toronto with media.
"He’s really down to earth, too. Nothing has changed about Rex, I don’t think."
Sharpe sounds intent on keeping his feet on the ground, too. He said that making it from the first show of the season to the last without being eliminated has been a rewarding experience.
"I think that I’ve grown a nice bit since I’ve been in the competition, not only performance-wise but maturing. I’m learning so much about the music business and performing on stage. It’s really good experience for when I leave the competition for my career ahead of me, hopefully."
The perks of making Idol’s Top 10 include several one-on-one tutorials with celebrity guests. Sharpe said those sessions will have a lasting impact.
"It’s awesome just to get to work with Tony Bennett and all of the rest of them. It’s just a blessing for me. Everything that they’ve taught me so far and all the advice they’ve given me will help me through the years now. It’s priceless. It really is."
Another benefit to making the cut on Idol is the chance to forge relationships that could last a lifetime. For example, instead of becoming bitter rivals, Sharpe and 18-year-old Chad Doucette of East Chezzetcook became pals in the Idol mansion.
"Me and Chad were really good friends in the competition. For all of the Top 10 that we had, I don’t think there had been any ruckus between any of us.
"Living together, you’d think you’d get a little fight on the go but that never happened. We were all best friends and we all can’t wait for each other to come back for the finale."
Sharpe even has fond words for Gatineau, Quebec’s Eva Avila, his 19-year-old companion in the Top Two.
"Eva’s amazing. We’re both different. Eva can do things that I can’t do. There’s some things I can do that Eva can’t because we have such different styles of music. She’s more an R and B kind of feel and I’m pop."
Avila — ho had been working as a postal clerk before the contest began — echoed the friendly sentiment during a separate conference call, calling Sharpe more of a family member than a competitor.
"He’s the most fun person I’ve ever met. I think he’s the funniest guy. He’s just so full of energy and he’s so hilarious and we have the best time together. It’s like we’re brother and sister, actually. It does not feel like a competition. It just feels like we’re putting on a real kick-butt show together."
But it’s a show with a guaranteed recording contract waiting for the winner (and probably for the "loser," for that matter). So both finalists are knuckling down to present themselves in the best light.
"I’m just going to work really hard these last couple of days because this is my last shot. I really want to win but I’m just going to try to get my songs down pat," said Sharpe.
"The pressure’s on. There can only be one winner. I want to win. Eva wants to win. . . . I put pressure on myself all the time but I’m going to try to let loose and not be nervous this week."
Avila, a favourite of the judging panel for her more advanced performances, said she was trying to use the pressure as motivation.
"I think I’m a lot stronger than I used to think. It’s been so much pressure and hard work but it’s so worth it. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster but I’m getting through it and I’m not even feeling tired. I just love it and I’m having the time of my life. I just have so much willpower and passion and I’m just really happy with myself," said Avila.
"When I perform I just try to get lost in the moment. I try to not think about anything else but the song and I try to be as connected to it as I can. If that comes off as being graceful and poised, I’m so flattered that I can come across (that way).
"I try to feel the lyrics and convey a certain emotion. I want people to feel what I’m feeling. I’m just trying to be as relaxed and as devoted to the song as I possibly can."
Both contestants were prohibited from revealing what they’ll be singing on Monday but it is known that both will be doing versions of Meant to Fly, the song that will be the winner’s first release to radio stations.
The final vote-worthy performances will be delivered on Monday at 9 p.m. The results won’t be revealed until the following Sunday at 8 p.m.
source
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Entertainment/527170.html
Sharpe, Avila will race to finish line as friends in competition
By TIM ARSENAULT
Newfoundland’s Craig Sharpe is on the verge of establishing a new pinnacle in Rock music.
The 16-year-old Canadian Idol finalist from Upper Island Cove has already done as well as fellow Newfoundlander Rex Goudie, last season’s runner-up in the CTV singing contest.
With a little encouragement from the veteran, Sharpe is preparing for Monday’s final performance episode of the season.
"Rex’s advice that he’s been giving me for a long time now is just be yourself. That’s it. Rex came this far and he knows exactly what I’m going through here. He’s really supportive," said Sharpe during a conference call from Toronto with media.
"He’s really down to earth, too. Nothing has changed about Rex, I don’t think."
Sharpe sounds intent on keeping his feet on the ground, too. He said that making it from the first show of the season to the last without being eliminated has been a rewarding experience.
"I think that I’ve grown a nice bit since I’ve been in the competition, not only performance-wise but maturing. I’m learning so much about the music business and performing on stage. It’s really good experience for when I leave the competition for my career ahead of me, hopefully."
The perks of making Idol’s Top 10 include several one-on-one tutorials with celebrity guests. Sharpe said those sessions will have a lasting impact.
"It’s awesome just to get to work with Tony Bennett and all of the rest of them. It’s just a blessing for me. Everything that they’ve taught me so far and all the advice they’ve given me will help me through the years now. It’s priceless. It really is."
Another benefit to making the cut on Idol is the chance to forge relationships that could last a lifetime. For example, instead of becoming bitter rivals, Sharpe and 18-year-old Chad Doucette of East Chezzetcook became pals in the Idol mansion.
"Me and Chad were really good friends in the competition. For all of the Top 10 that we had, I don’t think there had been any ruckus between any of us.
"Living together, you’d think you’d get a little fight on the go but that never happened. We were all best friends and we all can’t wait for each other to come back for the finale."
Sharpe even has fond words for Gatineau, Quebec’s Eva Avila, his 19-year-old companion in the Top Two.
"Eva’s amazing. We’re both different. Eva can do things that I can’t do. There’s some things I can do that Eva can’t because we have such different styles of music. She’s more an R and B kind of feel and I’m pop."
Avila — ho had been working as a postal clerk before the contest began — echoed the friendly sentiment during a separate conference call, calling Sharpe more of a family member than a competitor.
"He’s the most fun person I’ve ever met. I think he’s the funniest guy. He’s just so full of energy and he’s so hilarious and we have the best time together. It’s like we’re brother and sister, actually. It does not feel like a competition. It just feels like we’re putting on a real kick-butt show together."
But it’s a show with a guaranteed recording contract waiting for the winner (and probably for the "loser," for that matter). So both finalists are knuckling down to present themselves in the best light.
"I’m just going to work really hard these last couple of days because this is my last shot. I really want to win but I’m just going to try to get my songs down pat," said Sharpe.
"The pressure’s on. There can only be one winner. I want to win. Eva wants to win. . . . I put pressure on myself all the time but I’m going to try to let loose and not be nervous this week."
Avila, a favourite of the judging panel for her more advanced performances, said she was trying to use the pressure as motivation.
"I think I’m a lot stronger than I used to think. It’s been so much pressure and hard work but it’s so worth it. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster but I’m getting through it and I’m not even feeling tired. I just love it and I’m having the time of my life. I just have so much willpower and passion and I’m just really happy with myself," said Avila.
"When I perform I just try to get lost in the moment. I try to not think about anything else but the song and I try to be as connected to it as I can. If that comes off as being graceful and poised, I’m so flattered that I can come across (that way).
"I try to feel the lyrics and convey a certain emotion. I want people to feel what I’m feeling. I’m just trying to be as relaxed and as devoted to the song as I possibly can."
Both contestants were prohibited from revealing what they’ll be singing on Monday but it is known that both will be doing versions of Meant to Fly, the song that will be the winner’s first release to radio stations.
The final vote-worthy performances will be delivered on Monday at 9 p.m. The results won’t be revealed until the following Sunday at 8 p.m.
source
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Entertainment/527170.html