Regnier Vanessa

Article by Kathleen Hay
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September 10, 2009

Local singer and karaoke queen Vanessa Régnier cracked the Top 10 to make it to the Ottawa audition finals of CMT's Karaoke Star. 2009.

A local singer is hoping to become CMT's next Karaoke Star 2009. Vanessa Régnier, 22, is neither a stranger to performing, nor to putting her money where her vocal chords are during singing competitions.

Six years ago in 2003, she wowed judges to make the Top 100 (remember, thousands competed) during Canadian Idol, and the year before she was crowned Miss Talented Teen Canada to represent Canada at the Hal Jackson International Teen competition in New York City. This past June she competed in CMT's Karaoke Star when auditions were held in Ottawa at the Hard' Rock Cafe. It was the second time the television show had held auditions in tire capital, and the second time for Régnier who - again - cracked the Top 10.

On Sept. 24 you'll have the chance to vote her on to the Canadian finals when the Ottawa auditions of Karaoke Star airs on CMT at 7 p.m. The top vote getter from each of the eight cities where CMT held auditions will then go on to the Oct. 22 finale in Banff where they'll vie for a $10,000 grand prize. "The auditions were held in front of a packed audience, you didn't know who the judges were or where they were sitting," said
Régnier of her Hard Rock experience. "It was a really friendly, good atmosphere. "Still nerve-wracking, but it takes a little pressure off." Approximately 200 to 300 contestants tested their mettle at the Ottawa contest, and Régnier was among the last to audition. Participants were required to sing one of four pre-determined songs listed on CMT's website and when Régnier saw Patsy Cline's ''Sweet dreams,'' that was it.

''I've been signing Patsy Cline since I was 13,'' she said. ''I really felt lucky seeing her name there as she's the one of my favourite artists to perform.

"I'm a big oldies fan." In fact, however, she's been singing since she was three years old. She began performing French chansons; then was influenced by her mom, who loves Patsy Cline, too. During her teen years, Céline Dion was a "huge influence" for Régnier who regularly performs at functions, as well as local karaoke bars, such as Phatty Kats and the Glengarrian.

"I studied at the Whitam School for Performing Arts on year in Ottawa," she adds. "It was my local teacher there who suggested the country genre to me." It appears to have paid-off. Régnier was notified immediately after her audition that she was in the Top 10, and was invited back by the show's producers to perform for the upcoming Sept. 24 television show being taped the next day.

"That was an awesome experience," she said. "The whole stage crew was there, we got to invite friends and family. "It was amazing." It's that taping which will air Sept. 24 on CMT at 7 p.m.

"I find out whether I make it to Banff the day the Charlottetown auditions air on Oct. 8," Régnier said. The whole experience has been incredible,'' Régnier said. While it's karaoke, it's much more with experienced singers passionate about their art strutting their stuff. In the end, the $10,000 grand prize is meant to be a kick- start in industry which can be put towards demo tapes or photo shoots. "It's a really good feeling. It really makes you feel as if it's worth while," Régnier said.