A local St. Albert teenager is getting national attention after being catapulted to the top six on YTV’s The Next Star.
In the latest episode aired Monday, Madi Amyotte sang I Remember by Shiloh and beat out 10 competitors for a coveted spot.
“I was so shocked. All the top 16 were all so talented. But I was so happy to be picked. It was the best feeling in the world,” said the Grade 9 student at Ă©cole Secondaire St. Marguerite d’Youville.
Amyotte’s surprise came in part because her song was extremely challenging with punishing high and low notes. “I struggled with it. I heard the other songs and I thought they were so easy and I got this hard song. But the judges told me I had the whole package — not just the vocals or the looks.”
Hosted by Adam Ruggiero, formerly of Degrassi: The Next Generation, this competitive 12-week television program was developed to discover some of Canada’s best singers under the age of 15. However, unlike American Idol where famed Simon Cowell slices and dices contestants, The Next Star focuses mainly on mentoring the emerging young stars.
Now in Toronto living the rock celebrity experience, Amyotte has received a fresh stage makeover complete with a new hairstyle and makeup. And star stylist Peter Papapetrou individualized a trendy fashion style and wardrobe for her.
“He has a great sense of each person’s style. In this journey you find your personal style. I like to go for the boho rock style,” says Amyotte.
Up to now judges made the preliminary cuts, however the public is encouraged to vote online for their favourite contestant until Sunday, Sept. 26. “People can vote as many times as they want,” said publicity spokesperson Anne Vranic.
The finalist with the most viewer votes receives an Apple MacBook and Pro Tools recording software, Kool-Aid Jammers, a distribution deal with Universal Music for the winner’s two songs and a guitar.
Amyotte’s final words were, “Vote for me. I’d love to be the next star.”
Fans can vote online at http://nextstar.ytv.com.
