Just recently, Canada’s Got Talent has aired and it’s already getting some traction. Recent entries have included an all woman’s choir called the Lion’s Gate Chorus, 3 Indigenous siblings called the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, who did a Metis Red River Jig, and plenty of comedians, singers, groups of performers, even a celebrity impersonator. Given some of my abilities, I ought to try out for this show. But nothing struck gold in the form of a buzzer quite like a young singer named Shea who is a local from parts around here. Singing a song dedicated to her parents, Shea captivated both judges and audience members alike with her performance and even I was so impressed I just had to rewind and rewatch the performance a few more times. Then later on, I had a short quick interview with her on her experience.
HNMAG: Congratulations on the Golden Buzzer. How did you feel to get recognized for your talent?
Shea: Honestly I didn’t expect to get such a big accomplishment. The Golden Buzzer is a really big deal and I feel really honoured, it made me appreciate this awesome opportunity. I’m really happy that everyone likes and accepts my music.
HNMAG: How would you describe your experience on the show?
Shea: It was a really wonderful experience and it was the first time I’d been on such a big stage. It was intimidating but I feel it was an experience of a lifetime and I’ll never forget it.
HNMAG: Would you feel comfortable doing more on tv appearances?
Shea: I think that experience builds confidence, so of course.
HNMAG: You have some great vocal ability. Where did you get practice for your singing?
Shea: I started taking voice lessons since I was 6 years old. My mom also sang so we would sing together, and a lot of my friends also sing so I kind of grew up in this musical environment. Also the technical skills, I started pretty young so my passion in this helped me a lot. I would spend a lot of time dong the thing I love.
HNMAG: And how long have you been doing guitar covers?
Shea: I have learned guitar for 3 years and I learned guitar to accompany my singing because it was a super good way to express myself and maybe just strum really easy chords just to make some melodies. It’s a really nice instrument and I really aspire to make it better.
HNMAG: And why did you choose to cover Like My Father in particular?
Shea: The first time I heard that song, on social media, I completely fell in love with it. It voices my own thoughts, and the melody and everything is so captivating and warming that I really just wanted to share it with more people.
HNMAG: If you were to choose another song, what would it be?
Shea: I did consider a lot of alternatives for my audition. But I really thought ‘Like My Father’ was the most suitable one and my most favourite song so I chose it on top of the others.
HNMAG: Besides singing, what other interests do you have?
Shea: I have a few hobbies, I do other things associated with music, like playing the piano, also dance. Other than that, I like to bake, and read, and I also do badminton and it’s really fun.
HNMAG: Will you be looking into making any original songs or have you done some before?
Shea: I do have a few, but I’m just kind of starting on that road. Of course my goal is to become an original artist.
HNMAG: So that’s the plan for your future? Do you see yourself as a singer even years from now?
Shea: That is my ultimate goal, but right now I really just want to push myself towards that goal as hard as I can.
There’s so much more coming out on CGT, and people are getting to see what abilities us Canadians can do (besides hockey according to common stereotypes). The show’s been looking pretty good so far, and I would recommend watching it to see who else comes on.
Canada’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Citytv, with catch-up available on Citytv.com and the Citytv app