By Alesha Capone
WITH the voice of an angel, Werribee resident Jessika Samarges may soon be as famous as her idols Rihanna and Beyonce.
“I started playing the piano at the age of seven and when I was 12 my piano teacher discovered that I could sing,” the talented young woman said.
“Ever since then I have loved singing and knew that was what I wanted to do.
“I love how I can express myself through singing and writing songs, it makes me feel happy.
“I think I will always get a little nervous but I usually feel more excited than anything because I love getting on the stage to perform.”
Jessika, who completed Year 12 at Werribee Secondary College last year, recently entered the global singing contest Avon Voices.
She made it through to the first round and was flown to Hong Kong to record two songs, which the company made into a video and have put on their website for the public to vote on.
The competition’s top 10 finalists will be flown to America to perform at the Avon Foundation for Women Gala.
Jessika, who described the contest as “an amazing experience”, said she has also been working on establishing herself as an artist this year, writing and recording new songs.
She performed at the Australia Day 2011 celebrations at the Werribee South foreshore and has taken out first places in Ballarat Idol, Melton Idol and the Star Search contest at Highpoint Shopping Centre.
“I love Rihanna, she is my biggest influence and I got to meet her at her show a few months ago which was amazing! I also love Usher, Lady Gaga, Ne-yo and Beyonce,” Jessika said.
She said her ultimate ambition in the music industry was to “be able to travel around the world and do shows and fill up big arenas”.
“I think the biggest challenge is to stay positive and focused and to always stay true to who you are,” she said.
To vote for Jessika in round one of the Avon Voices contest, which closes 20 May, head to www.avonvoices.com and watch her perform ‘True Colours’ by Cyndi Lauper.
