Two years ago, Monique Chapdelaine took part in the St. Thomas singing competition VI Idol for the first time. She sang her way to the finals, but was unsuccessful.
But this year she had a change of heart and competed in VI Idol one more time — a decision that scored her a first-place trophy, $5,000, a record deal and other prizes.
“When 2014 came, I said, ‘This is my time to shine,’” Ms. Chapdelaine said Monday, a day after she returned to the territory.
On Saturday at the Reichhold Centre in St. Thomas, Ms. Chapdelaine sang her way past 12 other performers, becoming the first contestant from this territory to be crowned VI Idol.
The competition, which included a series of performances throughout the month, is organised by the USVI-based record label and promotion company LP Entertainment.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Ms. Chapdelaine said of her victory.
Besides Ms. Chapdelaine, this territory had three other contestants in the finals: NJAR, Harmony and Dwain Frett.
All were strong contenders for the trophy, Ms. Chapdelaine said.
“We were out there to do our best and represent the BVI and we did it,” she added.
‘Ready to love’
Despite her optimism, the administrative assistant didn’t go into the competition with high expectations.
“I don’t go with the mentality that I will win,” she said. “I go to do my best and hope that it’s what the judges are looking for.”
For the finals, Ms. Chapdelaine sang an original song, “Ready to Love.”
“Most of the songs I write and sing are about life experiences,” she said, adding that
“Ready to Love” is no exception.
The song relates her desire to take another leap of faith after many difficult experiences with love.
“When you get into a relationship but get hurt, you sometimes give up, but one person comes along and gives you that feeling to start again,” Ms. Chapdelaine said.
For the single mother, an extra $5,000 and a record deal will go a long way and help pay some bills, she added.
“I always love to have my kids present when I perform,” she said. “They are my inspiration.”
VI competition?
In the future, Ms. Chapdelaine hopes to host a similar talent contest in this territory.
“I think these competitions are very important because they open up opportunities for outsiders to see the talent we possess here in the BVI,” she said.
The artist added that singing has been a major part of her life since she was 2 years old.
“I’ve been told I even sing in my sleep,” she said. “I have a passion for singing.”
In 2012, she released her first official single, a reggae song called “I Rise.”
“It was a hit song and sold many copies,” Ms. Chapdelaine said. “It was very popular, especially among women, because it had a message.”
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