Is Maranda the Next Star?

Meadowvale vocalist Maranda Thomas' star is rising these days.
After surviving several rounds of cuts on the YTV television program, The Next Star, the 11-year-old made it into the Top 12 finalists on tonights episode.
"To get this far (the semi-finals) is just amazing," said Thomas, who takes lessons from well-known vocal coach Elaine Overholt. "To know you're what the judges are looking for is a great feeling."
The show follows a group of aspiring performers, all under the age of 16, as they're whittled down to six finalists. The six will each write and record a single and the public gets to vote for their favourite.
The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music.
In each episode, the finalists are given an exercise to complete. These can be vocal challenges, media interviews or coming up with a distinct look.
Thomas has the media interview part down pat.
"It's not about being on television," said Thomas. "Well, that is some of it. Like maybe one per cent. The rest is the experience and exposure I'll get from being on the show. I want people to notice me."
Thomas' vocal training is in the classical milieu, giving her the grounding and experience to branch out and try other genres, including pop and rock. She's a big fan of Jennifer Hudson (of Dreamgirls fame) and loves to listen to pop-princess Christina Aguilera.
There's a strong Mississauga connection on the show, which is something that's helping strengthen Thomas' belief she can go the distance. Host Adamo Ruggiero is a graduate of Cawthra Park Secondary School and judge Suzie McNeil, who almost went the distance on the reality television show Rockstar: INXS and also appeared in the Toronto musical We Will Rock You, is also from Mississauga.
"To know that a star like Suzie, who's so big and talented, came from Mississauga makes me think I can do it, too," said Thomas.
The Next Star airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on YTV.
cclay@mississauga.net