Cheryl Maendel
 Age: 25 "We are all so different. I think Canada is going to get 32 very different flavours this year." The third time is a charm for Cher Maendel. After failing to get a Gold Ticket in Season One, and just missing the final cut of 32 last year, the 25-year-old night club host and part-time make-up artist is proud to represent Winnipeg in Season Three. "I'm proud of Winnipeg's amazing crop of talent – Chantal, Amanda, Neil, Randy, Burton…and more to come!" Born into a Hutterite colony, a small German farming community near Morris, MB, Maendel is thrilled that her lifelong dream is coming true. "This has been a dream of mine my entire life. And now I'm living it!" Maendel describes herself as "a white girl who loves soul, blues and jazz." She grew up listening to her father play Johnny Cash on the guitar. She sings mostly at weddings, churches and at the nightclub where she hosts karaoke. "I'm really lucky to do what I do – I get to sing and have a good time!" Cher loves Archie comics, The Wedding Singer, Stevie Wonder, taking baths, Thai food and watching reality TV. The song title that best describes her? I Will Survive, she says. "This is an especially good song for going through the Idol process."
Cheryl's fun facts: Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? No Doubt and Pearl Jam.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life? Making Top 32 in Canadian Idol season 3 – and moving out of my parents' house! What are you the most proud of? I'm most proud of keeping my dream alive; I'm 25 and still dreaming of that big break. I'm proud of the fact that I sing sometimes for five people a night and I don't care, as long as I can sing. Which item could you not live without? My stereo and cds. I need my music! What's been the best day of your life? One of them was my sister's wedding. I felt so honoured that I got to sing during the ceremony, and it was such a magical day. If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? I would love to meet Lauryn Hill. I remember watching Sister Act 2 in high school and wishing I was her. I thought, "that's it! I have to do that!" She's full of spirituality and wisdom, and she has a voice that digs deep into my soul. What do you think has gotten you this far in the competition? I think that people can relate with me, I'm a big dreamer, which you have to be if you want to make it in music. I try to be true to myself, and my own style. I just love to sing and hopefully that shows. What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol? Wow! A lot of confidence, a unique singing style, and remembering the words to the songs! That would help! What has been the most challenging part of the competition so far? Dealing with the stress and saddness of losing competitors. It's bittersweet because you're glad that you're in, but I get very attached to people easily. Also, keeping the show in perspective. You have to want it, but you don't want your life to be over if you don't win. Just keeping balanced in mind, body and soul. Whose career path would you like to follow and why? Beyonce, she does it all! She's a spokesperson for L'Oreal, she does movies, she's an amazing dancer, has a healthy curvy body, a great spirit, a hard worker. She writes, produces, she's my role model. What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most? Who they picked for top 32 including myself! We are all so different, I think Canada is going to get 32 very different flavours this year. What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100? That I can sing in front of four very intimidating people and still pull myself out of my shell and sing my heart out. I learned that being myself is good enough for them and I couldn't be more thrilled. What was your reaction when you made the Top 32? All I could do was scream. I could barely sing for the next few days. Good thing the auditions were over. Who has been the greatest inspiration of your life? God – He has been there through it all, my highs and lows. Who has helped to make you the singer you are today? Actually, I would say my boss has helped big time – he recruited me last year to start hosting karaoke shows, and I can't put a price on all the performing experience I've gotten. It's helped me discover my singing style, and opened me up to kinds of music I never would have sung before, and helped me get over my stage fright. What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much? "I Walked the Line" by Johnny Cash. My dad always would play that song for us growing up, it is also one of the only songs he can play on the guitar! It takes me back to my childhood, my dad really idolized Johnny Cash. What song title best describes you? "I Will Survive"! I have gone through some hard times but I always survive through them. This is especially a good song going through the Idol process. What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition? I just remember why I'm here, and to put all my nerves into energy for my performance. I have to tell myself that I'm singing at the bar, no big deal. How has this competition changed you? It hasn't really changed me at all, I still live in my basement apt (groan) and I still shop at Value Village. Even If I were to win, I wouldn't change, I would just have more money (hopefully). I have more confidence in myself as a performer now that I made the top 32, but regardless, you should always believe in yourself, even if you tried out and got cut. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Awesome! Everything's awesome! |
