Keely Hutton
 Age: 20 "You can distinguish Newfoundlanders in heaven because they are the ones that want to come home." Born into a musical family, Keely Hutton says she was "brought up around the piano." She began private voice lessons when she was six and grew up singing at recitals, festivals and shows. Keely recently graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Music (majoring in Voice). A Rhodes scholarship finalist, Hutton has extensive singing experience: the Memorial University Opera Troupe and Jazz Ensemble; national anthems at St. John's Maple Leafs Games and as the lead in musicals such as Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. In addition to singing, Keely dances, draws and plays the piano. She is also extremely active and likes to run, rock climb, sea-kayak, row, mountain bike, water ski and rollerblade! Keely works part time at a coffee house and plans to study musical theatre in the fall, depending on how things turn out with Canadian Idol. Keely's favourite movie is Shrek, she loves camping and "roughing it" and she has found four-leaf clovers all of her life. Her favourite food is ice cream and she is known to make "mean chocolate cookies." Keely says that if she could meet one person in the world, it would be Kelly Clarkson. "She's been through this before and would be a good guide," she says. "Plus, I'm a huge fan!" The song title that best describes her? Come What May, she says. "I believe in destiny. I like to throw my hat in the ring and see where life leads me."
Keely's fun facts: Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Kelly Clarkson
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life? Being selected as one of the eight Rhodes Scholarship finalists in Newfoundland and Labrador. What are you the most proud of? I'm most proud of the fact that I come from such a musical, loving family. Which item could you not live without? My piano keyboard. What's been the best day of your life? When my boyfriend James first asked me out.. If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? Luck, work and I like to think talent! What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol? More luck, hard work and talent Whose career path would you like to follow and why? Jennifer Lopez…..because she has recorded CDs, done live concerts, Hollywood movies, dancing and clothing design. The only she hasn't done is Broadway and been married once. What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most? How well the group singing panned out. We were all tired, nervous and stressed from the long days in front of judges and cameras. But after only one night to learn and perfect our songs, the groups sounded really impressive!! What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100? The main thing I learned is that I have the ability to focus and relax in the most stressful situations (like auditioning for celebrity judges on national television!!). What was your reaction when you made the Top 32? I made it to top 32!!?? Holy crap!! My boyfriend and soul mate, James. He has made me understand myself and feel completely comfortable with who I am. He gives me energy and confidence like I've never known and his own confidence and incredible talents inspire me to be the best I can be. Who has helped to make you the singer you are today? My voice teachers and music mentors Uncle Peter and Aunt Ronalda with whom I studied voice for 12 years. Dr. Valerie Long also has believed in my musical talents and abilities with respect to singing, and improvising and arranging songs on the piano. Susan Quinn, my high school music teacher who taught me about perfect tuning, how to hear overtones, and who really got me to come out of my shell in terms of my music and confidence as a performer. My Elementary school music teacher Susan Knight who told me at age 7 that I was a music role model and mentor in the school and who has supported me ever since. Last, but not least, my parents who have paid for all my voice lessons, watched me in almost every recital, competition, festival, and production of which I have ever been a part, made me realize my potential and given me the encouragement and support I need to have the courage and discipline to follow my dreams. They always give me positive feedback and tell me how wonderful I've performed (even though they are biased, it's always nice to hear). I love you!!! What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much? I don't listen to a lot of Alanis Morisette but I absolutely love her song "That I Would Be Good." She is so into it and the words really grab me. They are all about feeling good about who you are no matter how vulnerable, defeated or unattractive you sometimes feel. I sometimes get caught blaring that song and singing along at the top of my voice while I'm driving…it can be pretty embarrassing!! What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition? I kept sane and focused by calling home and talking with James and my mom. Also just stretching, going over my music and chatting with other hopefuls about anything BUT the competition (like eating and shopping) really helped me. Minutes before singing for the judges I just focus on my breathing and envision a successful audition. How has this competition changed you? It has really expanded my knowledge and understanding both of the music business, and of reality television Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 'unagi' (from "Friends"), 'cool' (Dr. Evil style), "blast" (like Stewie from "Family Guy")…mostly words and phrases from "Family Guy," "Friends", and "Austin Powers" that sound ridiculous. |
