Emma “The One” Peckford
Weeks of buildup lead to 20 solid performances (2 from each of the 10 finalists) and it all lead to that moment. The moment that the winner of the 2014 Jump 106.9, Ottawa Bluesfest She’s the One Competition was announced.
For the first time since starting out as a music writer we took the time to reach out and get to know the finalists. Out of the 10, 7 replied. After the last performance ended we confidently posted on Facebook that we believed the winner would be one of the 7 we had featured…and we were 100% correct. Although we’ve said it on social media numerous times already we’d like to officially congratulate Corner Brook, NFLD’s Emma Peckford, the winner of the 2014 She’s the One Emerging Artist Competition. Over the past few weeks we’ve gotten to know Emma and her dad and we know how much she wants and deserves this amazing opportunity.
After an agonizing wait of, what felt like at least 30 minutes, RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest executive and artistic director Mark Monahan took to the stage to announce that a winner had been chosen.
Mark Monahan – Ottawa Bluesfest Executive and Artistic director
Emma faced an incredible group of performers, many of whom had far more performing experience than she (Emma has only been performing outside of her church for 2 years). Although the judges’ score sheets will remain anonymous Emma simply had more of what they were looking for.
“We were looking for one special young artist with an incredible voice backed up by a moving live performance,” says RBC Bluesfest ‘She’s the One’ coordinator Ana Miura.”We definitely found that in Emma.”
“We very aware that there’s an incredible amount of undiscovered female vocal talent in Canada,” says Bluesfest’s executive and artistic director, Mark Monahan. “This year’s She’s the One competition certainly proved that to be true. This should be a huge boost for Emma’s career!”
As “The One” Emma wins a whirl-wind, career-building trip to Los Angeles to work with top LA-based music producer Popmania (Jar of Hearts, Christina Perri). They’ll record a song at the legendary Sunset Sound Recording Studio and take part in a star makeover photo-shoot and music tutorial prior to filming a Hollywood-style music video, courtesy of Popmania! In addition to the opportunity of a lifetime, the winner will walk away with a guitar from Daisy Rock Girl Guitars.
We talked to Emma moments after she won the competition and asked her if it had sunken in yet. Her response “not a chance”. Someday when she least expects it a moment will come when she will realize that this is not a dream.
Here are some highlights from this afternoon’s performances!
Click to view slideshow.To the other 9 young ladies (Abby, Stephanie, Angelique, Jheo, Ria, Olivia, Taylor, Justice, and Ezra) that competed today, please don’t feel like this is the end. As Mark himself said, “anyone of them could’ve won.” Making it to the top 10 in such a prestigious competition means something. We heard each and every one of the finalists perform and each one has the potential of major success if they are willing to continue working hard. This business isn’t easy but those who keep trying and keep picking themselves up and continue having fun are the ones that eventually end up with their name in lights!
In case you missed our exclusive feature interview with Emma you can read it here: Getting to know Emma Peckford
We wish Emma the best of luck in LA and will be touching base with her to see how things went. Stay tuned!
