Brad Fury

Hometown: North Stonington, CT

Singing: Rover in Love – an ORIGINAL song

How did you first become interested in music?

“My family has always been musical.  I was taught how to play piano at 8, and then I always liked music more than anything else.  I picked up the guitar at 12 and many other instruments since, including drums, bass, violin, harmonica and pretty much anything I can get my hands on.”

How long have you been performing and where have you performed?

“I sang a solo in my 2nd grade Christmas pageant; I sang Silent Night.  I would do something every year after that.  I started playing originals when I was 14 and started my first band (which is no longer together) in 2006, when I was 22.  I now play in a band based around my solo music called Brad Fury and His Sunday Best. We strive for a wholesome image; we dress up in shirt and tie and play wholesome songs – mostly acoustic.”

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best?  Any favorite performers or favorite songs?

“I like all kinds of music.  However, if I had to pick 3, it would be Brad Paisley, Brian Setzer, and Green Day.  These three acts have always delivered throughout my life and have never disappointed me.  I can just find a CD by them that I haven’t heard and buy it without knowing anything about it and every time, without fail, I love it.  I also like Hank Williams 3, Alkaline Trio, Flogging Molly, and the Pogues.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?

“If its not my own life experience that has inspired me, I’d have to say my wife now inspires the love songs (and sometimes the ‘I’m so frustrated’ songs).  Otherwise, I’m inspired by the desire to put something down in a witty and unique context.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?

“Once in my last band, I played in front of about 60-80 people who were all crowded around us and singing along to a song that I wrote.  That was one of the best feelings I have ever had.”

How do you like to spend your free time and what are your hobbies?

“I enjoy playing video games.  I also am an experienced amateur luthier; I do my own guitar repairs.  I’ve been working on my guitars since I was 15 and have a good amount of knowledge about how they work and how to make them better.”

Jose Paulo

Hometown: Newington, CT

Singing: For Always – Josh Groban

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“When I was as young as 12 I started singing at church and since that day I never stopped.”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
“I think that I am different because I love what I do, I feel great, happy and I love to make people cry with my emotion. I’m not sure about the other musicians, but that is what I feel.”

How would you describe your musical style?
“I’m romantic and classic at the same time. I love to dance when I can on stage and do the samba.”

What song do you plan to sing on the show and why did you choose that song?
“‘To Where You Are’ by Josh Groban. It was one of his wonderful successes when he first started his career. I feel so good when I sing that song – it shows my personality and my vocal range.”

How do you like to spend your free time?
“With my family, laughing with my friends, traveling, prayer, doing music. I just love people.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“To be a big singer in the world, because that is what I love to do and I do it with passion. I love to travel and sing in other’s towns.”

Michelle Lambert
Hometown: Brighton, MA
Singing an original song: You Don’t Know Me

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“I started taking violin lessons when I was three years old.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
I fell in love with Elvis Presley’s voice when I was young. I thought if I could inspire people with music in the same way it would make me very happy.”

What is the most fun thing you’ve ever done?
“Flown a small airplane”

How do you like to spend your free time? Do you have hobbies?
“I like to go hiking. I really enjoy to bake (anything sweet). I love to hang out with friends and let loose a little. I like to spend time with my boyfriend.”

What do you like best about your hometown?
“I love the restaurant, Smoking Joes BBQ (Brighton). They have music seven nights a week. It’s a great place to jam.

What differentiates you from other musicians?
“I have experience with other instruments beside the voice. I have been writing music since I was a kid. It is the only career I’ve ever wanted. I’ve dreamed of becoming a professional singer/ musician since was five years old.”

Felicia Johnson

Hometown: Boston, MA

Singing: Signed Sealed Delivered

By: Stevie Wonder

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best?  Any favorite performers or favorite songs?  And why do you like them?

“Wow!  I’m totally eclectic and love everything.  I do have a special love for Gospel and Jazz.  Jazz tells a story of the past, present, and future, and the unusual tones helps me to go places that normal genres would place limits on.  Jazz is colorful.  And Gospel tells the same story!  It liberates people, gives hope, inspiration and helps one to believe in something greater than themselves.  My favorite singer is Kim Burrell; she sings with no limits.  I love her!”

Who would you say has most inspired you?

“My sister LaTonya and my daughter Lucinia. Both have been the cheerleaders in my life, and I’ve had some very low and challenging times, but they have always believed in me even when I wasn’t so sure.  Priceless.”

Where have you performed?

“Reebok Human Rights Awards, New England Patriots, Church, Weddings, Americore, City Year, Christian Television (Augusta, GA)”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?

“Singing all over the world, and spending some time in another country for Missions…and married.”

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you?

“Friendly, kind, stranger to no one.  Simple but fun.  Helper.  Adventurer.”

Why do you deserve to be the next ‘Star of the Day’?

“I’ve always given my best with God’s help.  My life has had lots of lows, but it never broke me!  There are two things that are constant…my faith and my singing a song.  This I am certain.  I want to share my sound with the world and being the Star of the Day will help my dreams come true!”

Ed Wiles
Revere, MA
Singing: Solitaire
By: Elvis Presley

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best?  Any favorite performers or favoritesongs?  And why do you like them?
“My favorite singers are people that really connect with a song. People like Kenny Loggins, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Coldwell, Billy Joel and Garth brooks are some people that Ive really tried to shape my sound after.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Singing. I am currently a hotel Manager with this hidden talent of singing and I would love to swich that up and be a “Singer” with a hidden talent of being a “hotel manager” some day!”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“American Idol Auditons. The atmosphere and the connection/ vibe that runs through the place is unlike any other experience. To have 10000 people in the same place as you the have a passion for the same thing as you is unbelievable.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Id have to say getting a golden ticket on American idol was my biggest accomplishment to date.”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
“What makes me different Is that I don’t really consider myself a musician. I realize that I have some talent but what I do is almost all for the love of doing it. I am untrained vocally and for the most part just sing what I like giving me a really eclectic mix of music to perform.”

Why do you deserve to be the next ‘Star of the Day?’
“I wouldn’t say I “deserve” to be the next “star of the day” because I don’t look at is as something that is mine for the taking. I look at it like I think Im talented enough to entertain you with a song and with the bombardment of music out there, my style is a bit different than most and might be worth the listen. Given the chance I like the opportunity to entertain you as long as you let me!”