Drumheller is being represented in the Calgary Stampede Talent Search by 16-year old songstress Abby Fooks.
Fooks has been charming Drumheller residents with her songs for almost two years now. She released an album titled “My Kind of Fun” earlier this year, and does not seem to be slowing down.
Fooks had auditioned for the Calgary Stampede Talent Search back in April and was chosen as a competitor in the Talent Search. Hundreds of hopeful youth auditioned for the Talent Search, with only a handful selected to participate.
Among those selected is Fooks, who performed in Preliminaries on Friday, July 8.
Fooks chose to sing the song “Chandelier” by Sia. She remarks why she chose this song.
“It is the song I auditioned with. I felt really comfortable singing it and it is also a very strong song. I was unaware at the time that I would have to sing that song throughout the whole competition but I am happy with it.”
“I tried to engage with the audience and move around more while I was performing. I got really into it while singing and tried to make eye contact more,” says Fooks.
When selected in the Talent Search, performers also are given the opportunity to perform around the Calgary Stampede.
“On Sunday, I performed at Draft Horse Town. It was an amazing experience. They even brought me in on a horse and buggy,” says Fooks.
Fooks will also be performing on Tuesday, July 12, at Olympic Plaza, the steps of the Saddledome, and again at Draft Horse Town located at the Agriculture Zone.
Fooks will find out if she made it past preliminaries on Tuesday, July 12. Results were not available at press time.
“It is scary waiting to see if you got in or not. I thought my performance went well, and I had a lot of fun with it. The experience I have gained has been amazing, so even if I do not make it further I am happy with the results.”
