Noemie Lorzema is the singer all of Canada can’t stop talking about. At 18, she’s the star of this year’s La Voix Canada (the Canadian version of The Voice).

Watch this video of her blind audition for the show.

The song is “Lift Me Up”, by Christina Aguilera.

And here she is again, this time doing her take on “Hello” by singer Adele.

Even when she’s doing covers of well-known songs, her talent shines through.

Here she is remaking “Give Me Love”, by Ed Sheeran.

A native of Canada born of Haitian parents, the Haitian-Canadian community wasted no time in acknowledging her and her accomplishments.

Here is Noemie Lorzema being honored by the Haitian Consul in Montreal, Canada.

What’s next for her? I’ll be watching this singer, and you should too.

CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH HER ON TWITTER

Not too many singers can claim that their first major performance was at the Grammys. Su Charles can. As a member of the Jazz Ensemble at her high school, she was invited to go on an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles and got to perform with entertainment greats such as Erykah Badu, Dave Koz and Patricia Rushen at the Grammy Awards show. Upon returning home, the native Bostonian did a mental sketch of her future in her head: attending a performing arts school, getting a degree from the renowned Berklee School of Music, and all the things in-between that would help groom her as a professional singer.

And dreams do come true. In addition to having a career as a professional singer, SuCh toured as part of the cast of the stage version of Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple. Her latest single “Sugar Maple” took the #1 spot on the Independent Soul Chart in the UK. Her voice matches the thickness of sugar maple, and the melody is life a forest chorus; very relaxing, extremely soothing. Like, coniferous!

SuCh’s style echoes the organic style of such singers as Heather Headley, Ledisi and Goapele. There is this jazzy, blues-tinged edge to her music, and that is most manifested on “Stretch Marks”, and “Robbed”, two songs on her Stretch Marks disc.

The songwriting on the album is very strong and personal to the point where one thinks that one is reading a torn and crumpled page from the stolen diary of Ms. Charles! Back to “Stretch Marks”! We tend to identify stretch marks with women. In some cultures, stretch marks are regarded as an indicator of a woman’s biological clock ticking. In other cultures, some regard it as a mark of child bearing. In SuCh’s version of stretch marks, it goes beyond that. She sings:

Stretch marks, signs of pain, strength and maturity
Stretch marks, medals won against insecurity
Stretch marks, past, present and future inked on skin
Stretch marks, source of pride so embrace what’s within

“Robbed”, another song that is emotionally raw all over, speaks of betrayals, love mirages, and immeasurable hurt.

How did you get the name SuCh?
SuCh is my stage name. It’s pronounced like the word “such”. That word is used for two purposes: to emphasize a quality, that is such great music, or show similarity, i.e. such as…That’s what I want my music and artistry to be, exemplify and amplify all that’s good and beautiful.

What did your parents think when they became aware of your penchant for music, and most of all, your desire to be serious about it?
My dad is a pastor so he had me in the children’s choir since I was two years old. But I was 15 when I first had the inkling that I could be a musician. At the time I was invited to be a part Grammy High School Jazz Ensemble, the only non-performing arts student, for three consecutive years. While they were supportive of my enthusiasm, my parents didn’t think of music as a viable career choice, so I gave up. I never stopped doing music though; I went on to direct choirs, ensembles, and started singing groups. Music is the one thing that I have done consistently my whole life.

What do they think of your singing career now?
They have been incredible. They are so supportive and proud of me. Knowing that my parents truly believe in me and what I know is my calling, means the world to me.

At which point did you decide to take matters into your own hands and start being proactive about your music?
Up until January of 2012 I worked as a registered nurse. When the earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, I was one of the first medical responders in Leogane and the devastation and loss of life really jolted me. And then soon after I had a son. These two things together were the catalyst. On one hand, I realized that life is too short and precious to not live out my dreams. And on the other, I wanted my son to know that nothing is out of his reach if he puts his mind to it. And what better way for him to get that message than to see his mother living it? That’s when I auditioned for American Idol Season 11 and I made Top 63rd After that experience, I resigned from my nursing job, recorded my debut album, and took my future into my own hands.

Have you ever gotten a “whoopin” in relation to music or singing?
[Laughter] No, I’ve never gotten a “baton” for music or singing. I have two older sisters I grew up listening to sing. My father plays the sax and my mom the clarinet. I took piano and flute lessons and have been playing them since I was seven.

Was developing a style of your own something that came easily to you?
I’m a work in progress, and in some ways I am still developing my own style. I love so many different genres of music and honestly the debut album is only a fraction of me and just the beginning. But I would say I am Soul woman peppered with Rock, Reggae, Pop, Jazz, Konpa, Rara, Country, you name it. If it’s good music, I’m down!

Did any adults compliment you on your voice? Or make predictions about your music?
I think since the age of seven or so, people started to recognize that I could sing. One adult that stands out to me in particular was my high school choir director, Mrs. Mianulli. She always told me there was something special about me. She actually accompanied me every year to the Grammy High School Jazz Ensemble until I graduated.

Music is a creative thing, and there’s the big marketing stuff, the business part. The whole big marketing and image machine.
Yes, music is a business, it’s the reality of the profession. When I worked as a nurse there were two parts to that also; there was the caring-for-patients side and there were clerical, financial aspects. I think the trick regarding music and being an artist is to learn how to navigate the waters of staying creative while learning to be business savvy.

But are there some aspects of the music business that you aren’t too fond of?
One of the main challenges of an independent artist is getting your music on the radio. I wish it were a more streamlined process, with some of the major stations giving good music a shot.

Why do you think so many people turn to music when they’ve had their hearts trampled on?
There is a song for literally everything. There is a song for love, a song for heartache, a song for joy, a song for fear, everything. Musicians and songwriters are tasked with putting thoughts, feelings, emotions, into words that people have no idea how to express. So people turn to music to help them deal with difficulties, to encourage them when they’re down, to party with them when they’ve succeeded. It helps heal trampled hearts. Music is a powerful thing.

What inspired the song “Stretch Marks”?
“Stretch Marks” is my story. It was fitting because life’s circumstances have stretched me to make me into who I am. They’ve made me stronger, wiser, better. And I’ve learned to embrace the lingering scars and wear them as a badge of honor instead of being ashamed of them. It’s my way to say that I accept myself as I am, with all my imperfections, for there’s ultimately beauty in them. I wanted to share that with women (and men, you wouldn’t believe how many men love that song, to let them know they are beautiful with all of the scars, physical, emotional, mental, whatever they may be.

Are “Here’s To Us” and “Pledge” about the same person?
“Here’s To Us” is about my best friend, who I met when I was four years old in Pre-K. It’s a true story and we’re still best friends. And “Pledge” is a love song about a significant other.

What singers did you try to emulate growing up?
Since I have older sisters, I was really into 90’s music. Like crazy! So, I love Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Zhane, Maxwell, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, Aretha Franklin, Boys II Men. Mariah, Whitney, Aretha, and Celine were my favorite female singers growing up.

And what about your songwriting process?
I don’t have a formula as to how songs come together…[For some] songs, I heard everything in my head and just had to tell the producer and the band; others, the music existed first and then lyrics came, and then later the melody. It all just depends. The creative process is fun and stimulating, and I’ve never written two songs quite the exact same way.

How important do you think singing is to a performer’s overall abilities?
Singing plays a part in a performer’s abilities, but it’s not everything. The sincerity of an artist and that something special about them, that “X factor”, is what makes a person an awesome performer. I personally am attracted to artists who can make me feel what they feel when they are performing.

How did you discover your talent for songwriting?
Growing up, I would write all these short stories. I am also a huge diary writer. One day I went through all of my journal entries and started turning some of them into songs.

Do you ever feel pressure to dumb them down to make them more commercial?
Sure, I do. But will I? Probably not. Thing is, people have had commercial success with pensive, deep songs, because radio needs that too. There’s a song for everything and radio needs to cater to all our feelings.

What do you have planned next?
Once September hits, I’ll be in the studio recording my next album. To find out if I’m coming to a city near you, check out my website and come on this journey with me.

Connect with SuCh on Facebook, and don’t forget to check out her music on iTunes.

Singer Sherly Debrosse goes by the flashier name Sherlee Skai. Her voice warrants it. Her vocal style is a cross between a 1990s R&B diva and that of an 80s-era Caribbean songstress.

Skai remembers that a song entitled “Tu es Toujours La” by Tina Arena was a favorite of hers, growing up. It’s one of those songs that she just could not stop singing. These days, her musical tastes have changed only slightly. “Gravity,” a ballad by Sara Bareilles, ranks among her favorites.

As for Ms. Sherlee Skai herself, she isn’t lacking anything in the vocals department. In the song “Jwe’m” for instance, her voice does all sorts of gymnastics. The song, which uses musical instruments as stand-ins for a woman’s body parts, is layered with prose-like lyrics. A melancholy ballad, “Ou Manke’m” has a dual role; it conveys the loneliness of a Haitian immigrant living, while also echoing the sentiments felt by a passionate woman separated from the man she loves.

When did you first realize that you could really, really sing? That the sort of voice you had was meant to be heard not just in the privacy of your shower, but on a stage for the whole world?

My friends in sixth grade made me realized that I had a good voice when they kept asking me to sing during cultural activities at my school. I was thirteen years old then, and it was the result of my participation in the kids choir in church. But I was 16, when I realized that I would be happy doing this professionally after I played Sarafina in my high school musical.

How did you get the name Sherlee Skai?

From my first name Sherly and—my favorite motto—that the “sky is the limit.”

When you’re in the music business, there is so much emphasis on the look factor…on cultivating a look, on maintaining a certain weight and look. How do you handle such pressures?

While I’m fully aware that particularly women are pressured to maintain a certain look in the industry, I can’t really complain that it’s been a challenge for me. I have always been thin naturally, and for health purposes I try to eat as healthy as possible and exercise a little. My hair though has been an issue; for a long time I thought I could not be pretty enough with my natural hair. Finally in 2011, I cut my perm off and I’ve never felt more beautiful, confident and real.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

I’ve just spent five amazing weeks in Haiti for the summer! I was working on my album with the producer Poppy Duverne who is now based in Haiti, and spending time with my family.

How do you personally define beauty?

Of course some people are very attractive physically, but I truly believe that beauty goes way beyond that. Beauty is being confident, being genuine, and having a kind soul.

In terms of image, do you think that there’s way too much emphasis placed on it, as opposed to actual talent?

Definitely, and it’s ridiculous. I don’t care how good you look, if you can’t really sing, then keep your day job. Unfortunately, the reality in the industry is different which is unfair and quite backwards I esteem. This is a money-making business, so if the consumers are going for the talentless, booty shaking girls, well the industry will surely deliver.

Do you happen to play an instrument?

My guitar helps me write, but I would never play it in public. I still have work to do. [Laughter]

When you were little, were there some singers that you especially admired and tried to emulate…whether it was their musical style or their vocal range?

I knew all the Yole Derose songs on TV. [Laughter] Emeline Michel is one of my favorites, and Celine Dion as well. The one person that I really try to imitate is Lauryn Hill; she is my idol.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes! Lyrics and melodies come from me, and my amazing producer Poppy Duverne is responsible for the musical arrangements.

Who taught you how to write songs?

[Through] trials and error, and encouragement from my good friend and fellow singer-songwriter Stanley Georges. When I look at the things I wrote five years ago compared to now, it’s a huge difference. Practice is the key.

When you work with a producer…do you present ideas on how the melody should sound? Or do you just ask for a certain melody?

I have big input in the musical arrangements. I have a sound in my head and the producer has to bring it to life, which I do very easily with Poppy Duverne. My songs are written with the melody. I sing it, and from that, Poppy figures out the track. If I want a particular sound, I tell him, and we go from there.

Do you remember the first song you wrote?

The first song I wrote was for my choir in church. I was sick and tired of having songs writing by the boys only, so I decided to start writing too. It was horrible! But hey, I’ve always been a feminist.

With the spotlight on you, and having such tremendous talent, you naturally draw people to you. How do you distinguish between true and untrue friends?

A friend is a part of your personal life. He [or she] helps you built your career whether with [some] advice or [lots of] encouragement or anything that he [or she] can contribute, and of course, you do the same in return. Time and circumstances are the best way to recognize a true friend, and in this industry having true friends is crucial even if they are few; the spotlight can be a very lonely place.

What is your parents’ reaction to your singing and your having a singing career?

My mother would surely prefer that I sing gospel, and she is very concerned about the incertitude of this career path, but she respects my choice.

I think that every singer has a long-term plan. What do you hope to accomplish over the course of your career?

The long-term plan is to have a fulfilling career in music, which normally includes multiples albums, tours, meeting other great artists, and getting recognition for the work that you do. For now, I’m really focusing on finishing the first great path for my future steps. One of my dreams is to record a song with the amazing orchestra Malavoi.

Check Sherlee Skai out on REVERBNATION.