Canadian Idol, now in its sixth season, has struck the mother load this year. The talent search has turned up some extraordinary performers but in the midst of this rich talent there is one who is simply outstanding.
Amberly Thiessen (pronounced "Tie Son")is from the small town of Seven Person Alberta. Daughter of a conservative Mennonite family she has had little exposure to modern music and is rushing to catch up with the various genres the other competitors know so well.
Here is an opportunity to see what Idol looks like in a different culture and to meet an amazing talent whose version of "Everything I Own" one of the judges called the most amazing performance he had ever seen on television.
Think he was exaggerating? Well you be the judge....
by AZRON (PM , CC ) on Thursday July 3, 2008 @ 10:07 AM
If you've been noticing a change in weather patterns, Ron, it's due to our entire country collectively inhaling in astonishment at the end of her performance.
by Anexplorer (PM , CC ) on Thursday July 3, 2008 @ 10:42 AM
She is definitely not hard on the eyes!!!
Of course, Mennonite musical talent is well-known in Canada - not so well-known outside of Canada. At one time the four string chairs at the Winnipeg Symphony were Mennonites - no small feat. The Elmer Isley singers always had an abundance of Mennonite folk. For a religious-ethnic group the Mennonites have a lot of clout educationally, business-wise and politically. One of my cousins was an MP iin Ottawa for a few years. At one time the president and the chairs of the major departments at Sir Wilfred Laurier U in Waterloo were all Mennonites (they were jokingly called the Mennonite Mafia).
by AZRON (PM , CC ) on Thursday July 3, 2008 @ 10:49 AM
Anexplorer - as soon as I saw the name of the post I thought - Mennonite! That is Ron's background and one thing I learned in the years of being in those circles when he was pastor was the names that are a part of that group esp. in Canada. And those people learn to sing from young on and harmonize - wow - !!!! Thanks for sharing this - have a great day - june
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Congratulations, you're obviously good people. Talented.
And darned good looking!
Of course, Mennonite musical talent is well-known in Canada - not so well-known outside of Canada. At one time the four string chairs at the Winnipeg Symphony were Mennonites - no small feat. The Elmer Isley singers always had an abundance of Mennonite folk. For a religious-ethnic group the Mennonites have a lot of clout educationally, business-wise and politically. One of my cousins was an MP iin Ottawa for a few years. At one time the president and the chairs of the major departments at Sir Wilfred Laurier U in Waterloo were all Mennonites (they were jokingly called the Mennonite Mafia).
"... she has had little exposure to modern music and is rushing to catch up with the various genres..."
Sometimes that can be an advantage. It can lead to more originality. Not only does Amberly have a lovely voice, but she is a stunning beauty, too.
Hi Whit,
I have a hunch that may not hurt her career.
And I think "Wow" is the appropriate word for her performance.
And I hope you have a great 4th of July!!