Pickering can thank her Nana for making the Stars In Their Eyes grand final
Wednesday 10 June 2009, 8:21AM
1469 views
Singer Mandy Pickering can thank her Nana for tonight making TV ONE’s Stars In Their Eyes grand final as Sarah Maclachlan.
Pickering is marketing manager for Christchurch’s Champs-Elysees Day Spa and it was her Nana who told her she should enter the Simon Barnett-hosted show.
``My Nana read that auditions were coming up and wanted me to apply so I did, just to keep her happy really. I never thought that anything would come of it. I received a phone call a few months later to say that I would be on the show.”
``I never thought I would be selected to appear on the show – let alone able to win episode seven last night,’’ Picking said today.
``I first heard Sarah Maclachlan sing when I was 21. She became my inspiration to learn the piano so I could accompany myself when I sing. Her voice is captivating and haunting and she is still my favourite singer even now. Her song ‘Angel’ touches so many people and it tells such a sad story that most people can relate to in some way.”
``Because I am such a fan of Sarah Maclachlan, I was already familiar with her performance style and look. Sarah Maclachlan is famous for losing herself in the music... she sings with so much emotion. Singing is something that I do for myself and usually without an audience so I had to get used to connecting with people while I sing which is not natural for me... I'm normally very shy when I play and sing in front of people...I really had to struggling to control my nerves last night.’’
Pickering said singing is in her family. Her mum and dad met in a band. Her mum was a lead singer and her dad was the lead guitarist so Pickering grew up with music. She has never had any singing lessons and only learned the piano for six months when she was 12 years old. She sings in part of an amateur band in Christchurch and they just have fun jamming in their garage at home. When she’s alone at the piano she loves to sing songs by Missy Higgins, Tori Amos, Jewel and she has written a few songs herself.
``I was extremely nervous before going on stage last night as I've never done anything like this before. But once I had completed my performance I felt incredible... like I'd conquered my fears! I was so shocked when Simon read out my name as the winner at the end of the show. I didn't expect it for a second! I felt very grateful that the audience liked my performance.’’
The Grand Final will be seen on TV ONE at the end of the month when Pickering will fly to Auckland and get ready to perform again, including a four hour hair and makeup session. On Saturday June 13, Pickering may also be singing live at Christchurch’s gala Cancer Society Ball to an audience of over 600 people. Her spa, Champs-Elysees Day Spa, is donating $30,000 worth of spa gift vouchers as their part to help the Cancer Society event.