Melissa O'Neil
Updated Sat. May. 27 2006 11:59 AM ET


Age: 17
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Audition City: Calgary, AB


Melissa O'Neil was the third Canadian Idol winner in 2005 and the first-ever female to take the title. The 17-year-old diva quickly established herself as a serious musical talent with her debut album and hit singles, "Alive" and "Let it Go."

"The moment I heard the single 'Alive,' I knew I had to be the one to record it," she said.

"I didn't really draw on any influences to find my style. I really just value people being themselves and finding their own way. I want people to one day turn on the radio and know that's me singing -- that they can recognize my unique vocals and beats."

After coming out on top in 2005's Canadian Idol competition, Melissa left her family in Calgary to move to Toronto and record her breakout self-titled album.

Its release brought even more attention to the Idol fan-favourite. The first single, "Alive," went four-times platinum and stayed on top of Canada's singles chart for more than 16 weeks, and the record itself went gold.

Her second and most recent single, "Let it Go," is making its way up the charts, with the video seeing heavy rotation on TV. She's also seen her share of screen time on CTV's eTalk Daily. She co-hosted the show on Feb. 1 with Idol master of ceremonies Ben Mulroney, even taking him on a tour of her new apartment.

The pop star completed an extensive cross-country tour this spring with Idol runner-up Rex Goudie, which kicked off in North Bay, Ont. on Feb. 17.

Although she misses her family, who first encouraged her to pursue music after hearing her sing Christmas carols at a family gathering, she says she gets a lot of strength from her fans.

"I've never experienced such support from people who were essentially strangers to me -- these fans just stand up and get behind you. I hope that my music gives my fans a true reflection of who I am and shows them that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything."

She co-wrote a song on her album for her nine-year-old brother, to make sure he knows she hasn't forgotten him since getting her big break. "Safe Place to Hide" is about having someone looking out for you, even if that someone is miles away.

Watch out for more on Melissa -- with her career just starting to find its stride, you can be sure you haven't heard the last of her.