Could the Next American Idol be Canadian?
Well, we were at the American Music Awards, the Grammy's and the Oscars, so surely it was only a matter of time before Canada would find its way to the stage of American Idol. Ottawa native Jory Steinberg, now living in Santa Monica, auditioned for American Idol judges in New York and left with a much-coveted gold ticket to Hollywood.
What a pleasant surprise for Canadian viewers when the 25-year old contestant introduced herself as being from Ottawa, Canada. This picture from American Idol's Season 6 photo gallery was taken during Jory's performance of Tina Arena's hit song Chains, aired on Wednesday night's edition of the highly-addictive television show. The judges remarked on her voice control and timing, clearly blown away by her audition. In fact Simon Cowell, known for his heartless criticism of hopeful contestants, said the performance was terrific. When Jory left the room he said, "Why can't they all be like that?"
American Idol is already a popular topic of conversation in coffee shops and around lunchroom tables in Canada. The newest twist for this season's edition however, is sure to increase the number of Canadian viewers feasting on this mind-candy each and every week...or for at least as long as Jory is competing. It will be interesting to see how many Canadian (and American) viewers pick up their phones to vote her into the "next round."
I personally don't get overly invested in the show until the contestants are whittled down to the top few but you can bet that I'll be devoted to following Jory's progress as she performs each week. You go girl!
Jory is a newcomer to neither music nor performing. In Ottawa, she performed on local television talent search Homegrown Cafe when she was a child. When she was 10 years old, she played the role of young Cossette in the production of Les Miserables. When she was 13 years old, she reprised her role for Toronto's production of the same play. When she was fourteen she sang the national anthem at an Ottawa Lynx baseball game, which proved to be her "big break" into show business. A promoter attending the game later introduced her to Canadian-born music producer David Foster. Unfortunately, things went sideways and she didn't get the attention that she deserved. She and her mother moved to Santa Monica to pursue her dream and she has been involved in the music industry since relocating. If you want to hear more from Jory, she can be heard singing "Try to Say Goodbye" on the soundtrack of the movie, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.
In an interview with the Ottawa Citizen, Jory Steinberg replied to a question about whether the show will reignite her career by saying, "I don't dictate my reignition by success or failure. It's always in me. I've always been passionate about it. Sometimes I just have to shift my priorities to different demands of life."
