Michelle Madeira
 Age: 18 "This feels unreal because I've been a viewers of this show since it first started and now I'm on the other end of the screen!" Michelle Madeira first began singing at the age of four with her "Fisher Price boom box." She began vocal training at 11 and has been singing in the local Portuguese community since she was 14. She also leads hymns at her church and performed the lead role of Sandy in a high school production of Grease. "Becoming an artist has been my dream for years and now that I'm in the Top 32 it feels closer than before," she says. A first-year student at York University studying Communications and Professional Writing, Michelle likes to write and direct plays. She "hates" shopping but loves soccer, yoga and chicken wings ("food is one of my best friends!") Michelle can speak in pig Latin, is quite good in staring competitions and can't live without tweezers. Her favourite thing to do is to curl up on her couch in her plaid pajamas "engaging in conversation with my girlfriends." Michelle says she aspires to have a career like Alicia Keys. "She's full of soul, talent and originality and is well spoken with a respectful career." The song title that best describes her? Hit Me With Your Best Shot. "When something negative comes my way, I've learned to convert that negative energy and use it to my advantage," she says.
Michelle's fun facts: Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? Celine Dion and Gwen Stefani.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life? During my last year of high school I had to put together a play for my drama exam. Doing behind the scenes work was new to me, but I really wanted to step up to a new challenge, so I decided to write, direct, produce and act in this play. I don't think I've ever put so many hours and dedication into one assignment, but I ended up receiving 100% on my exam and a great response from the audience afterwards. What are you the most proud of? I went through high school without getting involved in the "garbage" that teenagers are exposed to these days. I had a great high school experience, and I'm just gonna modestly pat myself on the back for getting through those years with pride and getting into University. Which item could you not live without? A tweezer. I can't stand un-kept eyebrows, and hey it's also a first aid tool, so it has a multipurpose. What's been the best day of your life? Everyday day is a gift. If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? Robin Williams. Aside from singing, there is nothing I enjoy doing more than laughing, and his sense of humour really gets me rolling. What do you think has gotten you this far in the competition? I'd say my mindset and the way I decided to approach this competition thus far. I auditioned with an open mind, which made me relaxed and able to deliver what I truly have to offer without letting nerves and high expectations take control. What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol? Maintaining my focus, attitude and making sure I show Canada that I'm loving every minute of being able to perform for them. Everyone likes something different, but I think that those who can connect with the audience and make them feel good while they're watching you, are on the right path. What has been the most challenging part of the competition so far? I'd say having to learn a song in one night and competing with it the next morning infrount of millions of viewers on only a few hours of sleep. Also, competing against the people you've developed friendships with throughout the competition. Whose career path would you like to follow and why? Well, there's no one in my family that has tried to pursue a singing career so looking up to someone who has achieved the goal that I'm am trying to achieve I would say Alicia Keys. She's full of soul, talent, originality is well spoken and has a respectful career. What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most? How friendly the producers, crew and everyone who works behind the scenes are. Having to deal with the amount of contestants there are, this crew is so professional, supportive and create a relaxed and positive atmosphere for us contestants. It's been a pleasure so far. What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100? That pressure exhilarates me. What was your reaction when you made the Top 32? My hands instantly flew up to cover my open mouth that almost dropped to the floor and then a little love fest of hugging and cheering broke out in the room while we all congratulated one another. It felt unreal because I've been a viewer of this show since it started and now I'm on the other end of the screen. Who has been the greatest inspiration of your life? My dog Dessie. She taught me that persistence gets you the treat! Who has helped to make you the singer you are today? My parents for all their continued support and encouragement, my friends for always putting me on the spot to sing (got lots of practice that way) and my vocal teacher Brenda who has helped me develop my technique and nurture my voice. What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much? "Please Don't Go" by KC and the Sunshine Band. My sister and I use to sing that song ALL THE TIME as kids! I wouldn't say the lyrics particularly affect me; it's more of a comfort song that reminds me of my childhood. What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition? I talk to the other competitors and try not to think too much about it being a competition. The more relaxed I am, the better I do. Just before I go on stage I close my eyes, take a few slow deep breaths, smile and go out there and give it what I have. How has this competition changed you? Its been a journey of self-discovery for me. As the competition progresses it demands more and more of what we have to offer and how we project it under pressure. I've learned a lot about myself. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Okily dokily" and "Crappers!" when things aren't going so well. |
