Could you be the next Rising Star?

Posted on 16 August, 2018

South.Point Shopping Centre’s Rising Star competition is fast gaining a reputation for uncovering new talent in Canberra.

After taking out the title in 2016, Lucy Sugerman went on to perform in front of Australia on The Voice, as well as venues and events across Canberra.

2017 winner Sophie Edwards is following in Lucy’s steps, snapping up the many opportunities that have come her way, and even looking to headline her very own concert next month.

“Because I had the Rising Star competition as a platform, I’ve met a lot more people and heard of a lot more programs and things that I could do,” explains the ANU music student.

“I’ve been travelling to Sydney and Melbourne and meeting other musicians, doing song writing workshops and things like that.”

During her travels, Sophie was introduced to Triple J’s KLP (Kristy Lee Peters) who has been mentoring her for a number of months. Sophie looks forward to showcasing her music at her upcoming gig.

“Now I’m working on my own show, having my own concert in September, hopefully. It’s my first ever ‘all originals, just me, everyone buys tickets and sits down and watches’ type thing, which is really exciting.”

Having competed in not one, but two, Rising Star competitions, Sophie is well placed to be on the judging panel for this year’s competition.

“Because I’ve studied music, I think I’ll have a lot more technical view, as well as stage presence. I know what makes a good performance, but I also know that it’s not all about costumes and what you wear and how you look on stage—I’m really looking for someone that is confident and technically good as well.”

Sophie will join an all-star line-up of judges including singer, songwriter, and actress Samantha Jade, The Voice finalist Amber Nichols, and hip-hop dancer Will Tran.

What is it exactly that they’ll be looking for in the next Rising Star?

“I think that they have to be confident and willing to put themselves out there, they’re the main two things” says Sophie.

“Anyone could be a Rising Star, as long as they show their own personality and who they are as a performer, not just trying to be like anyone else that’s famous.”

While Sophie came second in the 2016 competition, she says authenticity was key to her 2017 winning performance. Her advice to other artists is to embrace their individuality.

“I think the best thing is to just be yourself and show yourself through your performance. The first year that I competed, I did a cover of a Drake song because I thought it would be a crowd pleaser, and I came second. But the second year, I performed my own song about how I felt in this competition and about the opportunity to perform in front of so many people—not many get that opportunity.

“I ended up winning, and I think it was definitely the personal touch and sharing my story that helped me out.”

Sophie says that the opportunities she’s been given and the friendships she’s gained are the most important things the competition has given her. In addition to the chance to perform in front of an audience, winners from each category will receive a $1,000 voucher to spend at South.Point.

To be in the running to win, all you need to do is send a video link of a singing/dancing audition tape to risingstar@southpointcanberra.com.au.

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