Age: 22
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter
Hometown: Drumheller, AB
Audition City: Calgary, AB
Place of Birth: Edmonton, AB
Nicknames: "Boogaloo", "Jenner"
Sounds Like: Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos
Identifies With: Eva Cassidy
Musical Style: Pop / Folk / Jazz
Fashion Style: "Fun, Multifaceted"
Motto: "If you want it done right, do it yourself."

"I am shocked at how truly challenging and rewarding Canadian Idol is. It blows my mind how much I have learned musically and about myself."

Jenn Beaupré says her first word was "music," which she uttered while hugging a stereo speaker. She began singing after taking dance lessons and realizing she wanted to sing to the music more than dance to it. Jenn initially auditioned for Canadian Idol in 2003 but did not make it past the first round. She previously made it to the "Top 5" of the Pantene Pro Voice competition and ended up performing in front of thousands in Toronto.

Jenn is a waitress at home in Drumheller and also teaches music and conducts a choir. She considers herself a "great songwriter" and also plays the piano, alto sax and "a bit of harmonica." She comes from a close family and says her parents "have supported my choice to pursue a music career from day one… My family is so invested in my happiness."

Regarding Canadian Idol, Jenn says "this competition has been a much needed 'check point' for me. I am quite grateful for this experience and I want the public to know what an awesome opportunity it is for any young person who wants a career in music."

Jenn loves sunshine, beets (pickled, stewed and "every which way"), CSI, her extensive scarf collection and the colour "fire." She enjoys a good workout and is an avid reader.

Jenn says that the song title that best describes her is What a Wonderful World.

Jenn's fun facts:

Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morisette and Jann Arden.  I'd love to see Eric Clapton
What posters/pictures are on the walls of your bedroom? A huge poster of Sarah McLachlan and a lot of random but beautiful paintings
I feel most comfortable when I'm...The SUNSHINE! I love summer. I love how I feel in summer.
What is your favourite movie? Silence of the Lambs
What is your favourite book? "This Much I Know is True" by Wally Lamb

What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life?

Making the top 32 in Canadian Idol certainly ranks near the top!

What are you the most proud of?

I am really proud of myself for "stepping outside of my box". Canadian Idol is very different than most other performing opportunities. For many of us competing in Canadian Idol, it is very different to sing with out an instrument. Also, I have been introduced to music that I've  never considered music that I would like to sing. However I have already learned some songs that I plan on adding to my repertoire! So cool! I am proud of myself for putting myself in a position to be directly judged by others. 

Which item could you not live without?

My piano. Hands down. It's old and a few of the high keys don't work… but I keep it well tuned and I love the tone a lot. It's got character!

What's been the best day of your life?

The day I found out I made the top 32 was very special and quite rewarding. I will always be proud of that. I have had so many good days, actually, for many different reasons. Music has brought many gratifying moments, and, I have been honored to meet so many interesting people in my life.

If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
 
Eva Cassidy passed away in 1996 at the age of 33.  Her talent and grace has surpassed her death, however. Her music is all over the place now- it's a story much like those famous painters that didn't get recognition until they passed. Eva had the most magical vocal ability and the most astounding arrangement skills I've come across. I think I could learn a lot from her both musically and "spiritually". She was remarkably skilled at her instrument, which she played in a unique way. She inspires me so much to interpret music, to feel it my own way and then share my interpretation with others. She was so beautiful. I'd love to have met her and/or seen her play.
 
What do you think has gotten you this far in the competition?

Whew! I think a lot of factors have contributed to my supa-dupa exciting position in this competition. I have performed quite a bit in the last few years and I think that has been beneficial. Also, even though Canadian Idol is challenging, I love it. Any kind of audience can tell if a performer is enjoying him/herself- they NEED to see that, actually. If the performer is relaxed, then the audience will follow suit. All of the support I have from family has kept me strong. I'm very lucky.

What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol?
 
Tons of determination and equal amounts of dedication; and some good old Canadian luck!

Whose career path would you like to follow and why?

There are many gifted artists who have had to fight so hard to be heard- many of them Canadian. I don't know that there is a specific artist that I will model my career around, but I will learn from many. I find that all established artists have at least one thing in common: serious work ethics. You have to persevere and constantly create new ideas. Receiving any form of rejection must be used as an incentive- if you will- to push harder.

What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most?

Honestly, I am shocked at how truly challenging and rewarding Canadian Idol is. It also blows my mind how much I have learned musically and about myself.

What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100?

I learned that I am stronger than I thought. I am more determined than I thought. I am more independent than I thought. I learned that, even though it's exhausting to be busy, I thrive on business!

What was your reaction when you made the Top 32?

I cried; a chest-heaving, mascara-glued-to-my-cheeks cry. I was so darn excited. Honored.
 
Who has been the greatest inspiration of your life?

Absolutely, my Mom and Dad. My parents have made such a beautiful life for my sister and me. Both of my parents have an amazing work ethic, which they have shared with us. My family has supported my choice to pursue a music career from day one. I had so much fun growing up with my family, and I love who I've become. I find deep inspiration in the fact that they are both very good at their jobs AND still created a beautiful life for us. I want to create the same magic they have- but with a very different career!

Who has helped to make you the singer you are today?

My Mom. I was much too scared to sing in public because I thought all the other girls were so beautiful and so much better than me!

What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much?

I know a lot of beautiful songs with AMAZING lyrics. There is this wordless song, however, by a group called Sigur-Ros. Although there are no words, there is a vocalist. He sings sounds. It's beautiful. You can hear so much emotion in his tone but you are free to assign any meaning you want!  "Annie's Song" by John Denver has amazing lyrics- and who doesn't love "What a Wonderful World"… I love so many songs… for so many reasons!

What song title best describes you?

"What a Wonderful World". I love my life and the people in it so much. This world absolutely amazes me on a daily basis.
 
What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition?

Talk. I find that I need to express my fears to a family member (or all of them consecutively on really nerve-y days). Also I  have been known to buy a big bag of gourmet jelly beans and create flavor combos to take my mind off of whatever is stressing me. Also, I really enjoy a great back massage. Like many people, my neck back and shoulders get so tense under stress.

How has this competition changed you?

Actually, this competition was a much needed 'check point' for me. I needed to remember that I am strong and I can stand on my own. Although every competitor is truly supportive of one another- Canadian Idol IS a competition. Everyone has to look out for him/herself because, in the end, nobody else will! I gathered so much strength. I really hope to carry that strength and sense of independence with me. I am quite grateful for this experience and I want the public to know what an awesome opportunity Canadian Idol is for any young person- especially a boy/girl who wants a career in music. There is so much to be learned about yourself and the industry!

What is your motto?

If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.
 
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Clearly, I use the term "clearly" much too often; And some days, everything is, clearly, a "gong show" (meaning: crazy, weird, loud, hectic, fun, wild, hilarious, or any other meaning I decide at that time.