Two aspiring singer-songwriters from the St. Albert area readily took first place at the 2016 Global Country Star Search Awards on June 4. Morinville country singer Justin Hogg, 23, was the overall winner while St.
Two aspiring singer-songwriters from the St. Albert area readily took first place at the 2016 Global Country Star Search Awards on June 4.
Morinville country singer Justin Hogg, 23, was the overall winner while St. Albert's Hailey Benedict, 14, scooped the 13 to 17 youth category.
Their prize package includes a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to perform at North America Country Music Associations Int'l, a competition that attracts hordes of aspiring country, gospel and bluegrass singers.
The package also includes a visit to Nashville with introductions to songwriters, visits to historic sites and opportunities to sing at songwriters' cafes.
To say Hogg and Benedict were excited might be an understatement.
“Honestly, I didn't believe it happened. It was so fantastic especially since last year I didn't even make it to the Top 5,” said Hogg.
He nabbed the trophy singing George Strait's 1995 hit Check Yes or No, a romantic story song written by Dana Hunt Black and Danny Wells that won the CMA Single of the Year Award in 1996.
At the age of 12, Hogg enjoyed his first taste of public performing at Ă©cole Georges H. Primeau talent contest.
“After that I couldn't get enough,” he said.
Through his teen years, he experimented with different genres – a rock band followed by a metal band and then settled on indie acoustic.
But music wasn't even considered as a career until in 2011 he heard Hunter Hayes perform at West Edmonton Mall.
“He was doing what I thought I could do and from there I haven't looked back.”
Hogg, who plays nine instruments, credits his first place vault to vocal lessons with Martha Livingstone at Visionary College.
Benedict, also a Livingstone student, was equally effusive in her praise of the Global competition.
“It's been phenomenal. I'm so honoured and humbled I can't believe it,” Benedict said.
She sang two songs – Dolly Parton's famous hit Jolene and Clean Slate.
“Jolene is one of my favourite songs and Dolly Parton is one of my favourite artists. There's something powerful about the song and when I play it have lots of energy. It's also a great crowd pleaser.”
Although only 14, Benedict has made headlines since her 2012 debut at Citadel Theatre's A Christmas Carol. Three years ago she was a finalist in the 2013 All-Alberta Song Contest and last year the Lorne Akins Junior High student received the nod for Fan Choice Award at the Association of Country Music in Alberta.
Just this past Monday, television personality Lesley MacDonald selected Benedict as the June 2016 Global Woman of Vision and aired a segment on the news.
“Each first is another step. And just getting the opportunity is amazing. It helps us grow as artists and it helps me know I'm on the right track.”
