VoiceIdol

Oct 04 2013.

views 5373


Meet the Finalists of Voice Idol

Season 1 of The Voice Idol Karaoke Championships has been creating quite the buzz around Colombo. With the Finals just around the corner (Sunday 6 October), we caught up with 11 of the Top 12 and asked them about their singing careers and why they chose to take part in Voice Idol. 

Here’s what they had to say!

Julian Anderson

I don't necessarily sing in public, I've had that fear since I was small. I've never been vocally trained, just sang in the choir through middle school and stopped to pursue a career in rugby and that failed after a career threatening injury which made me fall back into music.

Music was always a place I retreated to just to get away from the world. Voice Idol is the second singing competition I've taken part in and this is the furthest I've made it since I'm in the Finals. I was short of my breath when my name was announced at the Semis saying I've made it through to the Finals. I've finally come to terms with myself that I can sing (I've always put myself down claiming that I'm mediocre and just ok when it comes to the vocals) since I made it to the Finals. This platform created by the Voice Lounge is in my opinion a genuine opportunity for vocalists to be seen and recognised. It crosses the boundaries of karaoke competitions and this is by far the best there is. I have utmost respect to the people that put this show together and the judges for selecting me and believing in me even when I didn't. I chose to take part to prove to myself that maybe I can sing and now I know I can and I won't stop until I reach my dreams.

My styles range from R&B to Alternative to Soul, anything actually. All genres are unique and I like all of them. 

Naween Wickermesinghe

Actually I started singing at school, at Maris Stella College Negombo. I participated in inter school singing competitions and All Island singing competitions etc. in groups and solo singing. Some we won and some we lost. At the same time I had a friend whose name is Sampath Anjello, and he was the person who groomed me up to this level. I’ve also been supported by my wife who is my only listener and the person who helps me overcome my weaknesses when I sing.  I prefer singing classic, pop and country; I think they suit my voice. Though we sing we do not know where our singing skills stand. So I wanted to get my singing skills measured and to know where I stand among the other singers in Sri lanka. Above all it's fun and I love singing That's why I took part in the competition.

Kenneth Rozairo

While I love singing and thumping a few chords on a keyboard, I did not make music my career, I chose the inbound travel industry instead. However I never passed on an opportunity to sing whenever I could, and of course with the advent of karaoke and its popularity and a family who just loves singing there is always a bit of karaoke or sing-a-long whenever we get together. Styles of singing I prefer include R&B, Soul, Adult Contemporary and Country. I chose to take part because I simply love singing, and I thought I would give it a go and enjoy the ride, and so far it’s been great..

Ryan De Mel

To be honest, I've been singing ever since I can remember. But I started singing professionally around 9 to 10 years ago when I started voice training with my amazing vocal trainer Mrs. Mary Anne David (or Aunty Mary Anne as we call her). 

When you train under aunty Mary Anne, you learn how to sing in pretty much any style whether it may be classical, jazz, or pop. And when I'm not at voice training I'll be singing songs from genres like rock, R&B, rap and reggae. Actually, I entered the competition with my dad who happens to be a frequent karaoke singer. Both of us entered the competition for our love for music and the passion to sing.

Nashali Fernando

I've been singing since I was a kid and I come from a musical family. Right throughout I was a member of my school choir and took part in school singing competitions. Music is a part of my life and I really enjoy singing for pleasure cause it’s a God given talent passed on from my grandfather to my parents. I prefer singing Pop, Country, R&B, and the golden oldies. The main reason for me to take part in this prestigious competition was to prove myself and also to make use of my talent.  Apart from this I am employed as a hairdresser/ beautician in one of the leading salons in Colombo.

Sahani Fernando

I was born into a musical family. I have been singing since the age of 6, in the Primary and Secondary school choirs. Being the school choir leader of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, during the age of 16-17, has inspired me so much, which made me love music and has given me a passion and confidence to take music/singing to the next level. Now, singing and music has become a part of my life. Even though I do not do it as a profession, I enjoy and adore every single moment of my musical career. Finally, I would like to thank my Almighty God, for the talents and my amazing parents for the support and courage given at all times. I enjoy listening to Country and Western, Pop and the Golden Oldies. Other than school competitions, this is the first time I'm taking part in a competition. Just wanted to use my talent which God has blessed me with, and wanted to take a challenge.

Samantha Surenedran

What inspired me to take part was my passion for music as well as being able to express myself through the music which I love. The types of music which I like to sing, are ones which suit my vocal abilities, I enjoy music with a meaning because you can easily relate to the lyrics. The Voice Lounge has given me the privilege of being able to participate in this amazing competition which is not only really enjoyable but also helps me to develop my vocal skills.

Romaine Maladeniya
 

Ever since I was a young girl, I was drawn to music. I could sit for hours and listen to music, especially the heartfelt songs that told stories. I began my musical career as a member of a choir called "Choro Calibre". Following that I joined a girl group called "Storm" managed by Azlan Sheriffdeen. And I sing any type of song as long as I enjoy what I sing. I chose to take part in this competition in order to pursue my dreams of becoming a reputed name in the music industry.

Keith Gibson

I started singing in the year 2000, in small bands. My favourite style of music is Reggae.

One day I went to The Voice Lounge and Alex the DJ told me to take part; and I thought I'll give it a try. 

Darrel White  

I started singing during my schooling years in the school coir and now I prefer  singing hard rock reggae , love songs and rock & roll. I like to show my talent to the public and this will be a good opportunity to do so. Voice Idol has  given me the opportunity to do so. I’ve got to work hard and do my best of the best .

Danushki Wijeyesekerai
 

I have enjoyed singing from a very young age. It all began at my church, singing hymns and so on, after which I joined my school choir at the age of 11 at Bishop’s College where I have sung under Uncle Eshantha and Aunty Ruwani.  Music is my life and it’s a part of me...a few of my inspirational singers are Demi Lovato and BO Bruce...and when it comes to styles of music I love listening to Hip Hop and Alternative Country. According to the feedback from friends I have more of a ‘Colbie Caillat’ type of a voice. 

   

 

One contestant was not available for comment.

 

Text by Reihan Stephen



0 Comments

  1. nicky karunarathna says:

    When you publish such talented guys and gals, must give their email addresses too people who like to contact them to get advice from them to start similar careers.

  2. Devils Advocate says:

    Nicky OMG seriously, you need to keep your silly advice to your-self. Your suggesting a great way to jeopardize one's privacy. Even your comment on the "Video: CB Governor to blame for SL financial crisis: UNP" was pretty pathetic and I hope DM will publish my reply to your comment.

Post your comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

Instagram