Brandonite impresses on ‘Canada’s Got Talent’
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/04/2022 (1408 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Lenya Wilks made a big impression during Tuesday’s broadcast of “Canada’s Got Talent,” receiving a “yes” vote from all four judges by performing a cover of Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes.”
“What this show is about is when you see someone up there and you think ‘I can’t imagine this person not doing that thing,’” judge Lilly Singh said following Wilks’ performance. “And I feel like I’m a better person because I just saw you sing for me. So I think you are incredible.”
While the judges were very impressed with Wilks’ vocal talent, they also remarked on her bravery, since she is the survivor of a home invasion in 2011 that led to a sexual assault.
“Part of me felt like it was my fault. I felt like I brought this into my parents’ home,” Wilks said during Tuesday’s broadcast. “My life, at that moment, was starting to be defined by that one situation and I no longer wanted my life to be defined by that.”
The Jamaica-born singer also said the incident is why she stepped away from performing for a time, even though music had been a big part of her life up until that point.
According to the bio listed on the “Canada’s Got Talent” website, Wilks entered Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars singing competition at the age of 17, with her performance landing her a gig touring with famous reggae artist Beres Hammond.
After performing across the United States, Europe and Canada, Wilks signed a record deal with Zx5 Productions in 2011 and went on to produce a self-titled album in 2014.
Once Wilks moved to Canada in 2016, she decided to further hone her craft at Brandon University and completed a bachelor degree in jazz vocal performance.
During Tuesday’s broadcast, the singer said the “Canada’s Got Talent” stage felt like “more than a second chance.”
“You are a fighter and I felt every single moment,” judge Trish Stratus told Wilks. “I know that came from the very depths of your soul. I feel privileged to have heard you today.”
Judge Howie Mandel also praised Wilks for the heart and strength she put on display through her performance.
“I feel like a door opened tonight,” he said. “Your life is just going to change forever. This was a moment.”
While Wilks ultimately did not make the cut for the competition’s semifinal round, she is remaining positive and thanked her supporters in a Wednesday Instagram post.
“Thank you #cgt for this amazing platform and for showcasing Canada’s talent,” Wilks wrote. “I got my 4 yes’s and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Anyone interested in watching Wilks’ performance in full can visit the official “Canada’s Got Talent” YouTube page.
» The Brandon Sun