In a few short weeks, “The Next Star” will be revealed. The fans of YTV’s THE NEXT STAR will decide if it will be Kaleia Odelle, Nissita Francis, Shon Burnett, Jory Zechner, Michaelah Weekes or Ryland Clark.
Kaleia, Nissita, Shon, Jory, Michaelah and Ryland have all made it to the Top 6 of YTV’s hit reality singing competition, THE NEXT STAR, which is currently in its 7th season. Thousands of Canadians auditioned, but only a select number were given Golden Tickets. Now, the final lucky group of 6 are living in Toronto, practicing and perfecting their skills with the help of coaches and mentors, including THE NEXT STAR’s judges Dan Kanter, Tara Oram and Mark Spicoluk. In the end, only one will leave as “The Next Star” after being crowned at the live grand finale on September 21, which takes place at Canada’s Wonderland. Fans can vote now for their favourite singer at http://nextstar.ytv.com/.
THE MAGAZINE caught up with this season’s talented Top 6 to find out more about who they are behind the music, their favourite NEXT STAR moments and why they ARE “The Next Star”.
Kaleia
On her family, including her cats, and her sound:
I’m 12 years old and I live with my parents, big brother Cass, and my three cats – Raffi, Bruce Lee, and Marilyn. My friends would describe me as fun, funny and courageous.
I’ve been singing since before I could talk. I like to think of my sound as a cross between poppy-bluesy-jazzy-soul, with a bit of country in the mix. I’m sort of like a chameleon, but I always sing what I love, and I always feel what I sing.
On her first performance – ever:
I totally remember my first performance: I was in kindergarten, and at the year-end talent show I sang and danced (in my little ballet costume) to “Dream a Little Dream.” My teacher had to stand at the back of the auditorium because she was crying.
On whom she would love to perform a duet with:
Sia. Anything by Sia. Anything with Sia! I would LOVE to sing “Chandelier” with her!
On how she imagines her finale performance:
Big, bold and AMAZING!!! Something everybody can dance and sing along to, and have fun!!
On why she is “The Next Star”:
I’ve been singing my whole life (literally) and I’m always trying something new. I work really hard at what I do, and will always work to keep getting better. I hope to inspire people during my #tns7 journey!
Nissita
On who Nissita really is:
I’m Nissita, but my parents, family and friends know me as Lizzy! I am 13 years old and music is a major part of my life. I’m a grade 9 RCM pianist and I compete in music festivals near my town. Along with piano, I’ve always enjoyed singing and I’ve always wanted to take singing lessons!
On what inspired her to audition for THE NEXT STAR:
My dad is ill and it has been a very hard experience and has taught me so much. After what my dad has been through, I learned that I would rather live life and regret the things that I have done, than regret the things that I haven’t done. This was my motivation to try out for THE NEXT STAR. The first real time I performed in front of people was when I sang “Feeling Good” before the judges on the NEXT STAR stage.
On what people would be surprised to know about her:
Most people, judging by my petite size, tell me they don’t expect me to be super bubbly and hyper, but I enjoy talking to people! I’m obsessed with dogs and I love Skittles.
On her favourite NEXT STAR moment:
Meeting my second family, the Top 6, was my favourite NEXT STAR moment. They are all so talented and have all taught me so much! Going to Canada’s Wonderland, chilling in the hot tub, fancy dinners and rehearsals are only a few of our experiences.
On why she is “The Next Star”:
I want to be able to show people that with hard work, determination and motivation you can achieve anything. Music has always been my passion. It is honestly what brings out my uniqueness.
Shon
On who Shon really is:
I am 12 years old and play a number of instruments. I began singing when I was 4 and started piano lessons when I was 6. My style is pop-rock.
On getting his Golden Ticket:
I was super excited and could not believe it! I would be going to Toronto and performing on YTV!
On his idol Justin Bieber:
I started out as a street performer when I was 9 but only after begging my parents to let me do it. I wanted to be like Justin Bieber. I really like his style of music.
On his favourite NEXT STAR moment:
I really liked the makeovers. I was super excited to see what I was going to look like and what the others were going to look like.
On why he is “The Next Star”:
I have worked very hard and have had a lot of fun doing it!
Jory
On who Jory really is:
I am 15 years old and my name came from a combination of both my grandparents’ names (Joanne + Jerry = Jory). Singing is my passion. I would describe my sound as smooth and powerful. I have a different sense of style, I don’t know when to stop talking when I’m nervous, and I say strange things, but that’s just me.
On whom she would love to perform a duet with:
If I could perform with any singer, it would be Demi Lovato. She is one of my inspirations because she has such an amazing voice and has overcome many mental health struggles. I have had to deal with similar obstacles and her music has helped me through a lot.
On what people would be surprised to know about her:
At the age of 12, I wrote my first song called “It Breaks My Heart”. It is one of 6 songs on my first EP, ‘Jory, Heart & Soul’. My audition piece, “The Game”, was from my EP.
On how she imagines her finale performance:
I imagine my finale performance to be very intense, exciting, and exhilarating. With all the lights and the energy of the audience, and knowing my family will be in the crowd, I am sure it will be amazing.
On why she is “The Next Star”:
I have a unique style and voice and have written my own music. I put it all on the stage when I perform and I work hard to learn and grow from each experience. Although it is a competition, I would be happy to see anybody from the Top 6 win. They are all so talented, and I am so grateful to have been a part of such an amazing group of artists. We’re all STARS!
Michaelah
On her personality and her sound:
I am 15 years old and I would describe myself as really chill and quiet, but very energetic, crazy and weird once I hit the stage! I think my sound is a mixture of R&B and pop. I draw a lot of my inspiration from Beyoncé and Michael Jackson.
On getting her Golden Ticket:
A dream come true!
On her first big performance:
To be honest, it was really cute but it didn’t go very well. I was really nervous. I think nerves have been a big set-back for me in past performances, but since I’ve been on THE NEXT STAR, I’ve definitely noticed a change in who I am as a performer. I remember thinking to myself after the Top 12 show, “If singing is what I want to do in life, I need to really believe in myself and not allow the nerves to get in the way.” To this day, I don’t get nervous anymore!
On her favourite NEXT STAR moments:
I’m so thankful to have made so many amazing friends and to have met so many incredible people along the way. My vocal coach, my choreo instructors, hair/make-up artists, wardrobe stylists, producers and our “house mom” – everyone is so fantastic!
On why she is “The Next Star”:
Singing means everything to me. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else in life. This whole experience has changed my life. I’m so honoured and thankful that I have been chosen out of thousands of gifted musicians across Canada to participate in this. The other 5 contestants are so crazy talented and we’ve grown so close. Of course, I would love to win and it would be such an honour, but in my opinion, we’ve all already won!
Ryland
On his early start in singing, love for sports and musical style:
I am 15 years old, I’ve been singing since I was 2 and I come from a musical family. I would describe my musical style as a mix of pop, jazz, and R&B. I’m actually really quiet and shy when I first meet someone, but once I get to know you and trust you I’m really outgoing and not afraid to be really crazy and weird. I enjoy playing sports like baseball, hockey and track and field.
On which three words best describe him:
“That crazy guy”.
On how he imagines his finale performance:
The most incredible experience I’ve had on stage. I want my fans to feel what I’m feeling and relate to my song. I’m imagining feeding off their energy and having an awesome performance!
On his favourite NEXT STAR moment:
All the screaming fans – that was a really nice surprise!
On why he is “The Next Star”:
I am “The Next Star” because I believe my music will inspire others to follow their dreams and to love music as much as I do.
Thank you to Shon, Kaleia, Nissita, Jory, Michaelah and Ryland! Follow the Top 6 on their journey every Monday at 7 p.m. ET/PT on YTV.