Aaron Walpole
 Age: 26 "I'm a regular Canadian guy in search of the fulfillment of a dream." A graduate of Sheridan College's Music Theatre Performance Program, Aaron Walpole was seen last year at Stratford in Guys 'N' Dolls and Anything Goes. Aaron grew up dreaming of being a singer. "Most of my childhood was spent locked in my bedroom, for hours at a time, singing anything and everything I could get my hands on," he says. "It's something I did every day and when I learned that I could do it for a living, my life got even better. I couldn't see myself doing anything else." He began singing in public in Grade Nine as a member of the St. Thomas Youth Choir and has gone on to sing across the country. Aaron plays the guitar and drums and recently became the lead singer of local band Hooligan's Holiday. Walpole loves Robin Williams, Halo 2 and listening to Meatloaf and says his favourite book is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Aaron cheers for The London Knights, loves The Sopranos, and likes to sing "mush love ballads because they make me feel all warm inside." Aaron plays football, hockey and baseball and is proud to say he can bench press 500 pounds. He likes to build things out of metal and says his favourite subject in school was "lunch." His favourite food? "Combo Number Six at Taco Bell," he says. Walpole says he won't be missed on Canadian Idol. "When you're a 300 pound, four-foot wide, football-playing mama's boy, you kinda stand out." The song title that best describes him? Teddy Bear, he says.
Aaron's fun facts: Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? The Barenaked Ladies
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life? Last year, I performed at the Stratford Festival in "Guys 'N Dolls" and "Anything Goes". One day, I had the opportunity to go on as my understudy, Nicely Nicely. It was the biggest professional role I've ever performed during my career to date and at the end of singing "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat", I received the loudest, longest round of applause I've ever heard; that was the biggest accomplishment of my life?so far. What are you the most proud of? My older brother, Nathan, has been busting his butt over the past decade or so, chasing his dream of becoming an animator. He's worked 20 hour days just trying to be the best he can be and he's done very well as the lead animator for Bungie Microsoft's Halo2. I've never been more proud of anyone in my life than my big bro Nathan. Which item could you not live without? My guitar - I can go two maybe three days without it before I start to go crazy. What's been the best day of your life? My birthday - isn't that everybody's? If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? Robin Williams - I happen to be his biggest fan in the world. I own 28 of his films, two CDs and 99 "Mork & Mindy" trading cards? What do you think has gotten you this far in the competition? My experience, drive, and love of performing. What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol? It's in the hands of the Canadian public now. Who knows who it's going to be. All I can say is, I'm going to give it everything I've got and hope that some people will like me. What has been the most challenging part of the competition so far? Getting up in front of the judges during the top 100 was probably the hardest part of the competition so far?especially with less and less sleep as the days went on. Whose career path would you like to follow and why? I would like to have a career like Meatloaf's because he done it all and continues to do so. I would like to not only perform concerts, but be in movies, television and on the stage. What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most? The majority of the competitors are incredibly friendly and helpful even though they're in a competition with each other. It's a beautiful thing when people can be real human beings in a time when that's becoming less and less the norm. What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100? I learned that I really have to pull my socks up if I'm going to be a competitor in this competition. What was your reaction when you made the Top 32? I was really relieved to know that I made it to the next round. I didn't think my heart could beat as fast as it did when I was waiting in that room. Who has been the greatest inspiration of your life? My mother?she's the one who's always been there for me and I know she will for the rest of my life. Who has helped to make you the singer you are today? Every singer I've ever heard has had a hand in molding the singer I am today. What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much? "Break Your Heart" - BNL - When I heard it for the first time, it sort of mirrored my life at that particular time and it just gets me going every time I hear it. What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition? Before I go out on stage, I bless the space and myself with a little thing I've been doing for many years now (it's a secret) and I say to myself, "you know this". How has this competition changed you? It hasn't really changed me yet, but I know the further along I go, the better I'll get. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Awesome! (ala Adam Sandler), Whatever lady! (my mom's fav) |
