Tonight, 17-year-old Barbra Preisman will take the Canadian Idol stage, attempting to move on to the final 10. Preisman is such an eloquent and gifted singer, it’s hard to believe she’s only 17, says her friend.

“I knew this kid was born to perform,” says Ricki Rosen. “I felt very privileged to witness her growth.”

Preisman decided to try out for Idol as soon as she heard when auditions would be held in Toronto.

Rosen says Preisman’s hopes increased as the auditions progressed.

“She really believed her chances were slim till she began hearing some of the others singing.”

She advanced of course, and can now add Top 32 Canadian Idol finalist to her resume.

It will be the first professional experience she will add to that resume. She’s been singing and playing piano since she was six years old. At 12, she sang in front of a dinner party hosted by her mother. She also writes songs (”great ballads,” says Rosen).

The others who will also be singing tonight include:

- Diego Alvarez, 21, Montreal QC, Music Student
- Giselle Correia, 26, Mississauga, ON, Makeup Artist
- Amber Fleury, 26, Calgary, AB, Paralegal
- Rex Goudie, 19, Burlington, NL, Student / Part-time Mechanic
- Michelle Madeira, 18, Mississauga, ON, University Student
- Devika Mathur, 27, Toronto, ON, Radio DJ
- Barrett Peitsch, 23, Winnipeg, MB, Manager/Bartender

Voting takes place after the show, with the results revealed the following night at 8 P.M.






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