Charisse Shields
Hometown: Lunenburg, MA
Singing: If I Were A Boy By: Beyonce

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“I would love to be performing in musical theatre for a living. Not necessarily on Broadway either. I’ve never really had a chance to travel so I would like to be able to perform in different theaters around the country, possibly on a cruise ship.”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“I just joined a roller derby league so, right now, it’s the most fun thing also, working at King Richard’s Faire is the most fun job I’ve ever had.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“I was recently in a National Geographic documentary on the Salem Witch Trials. The part was discredited, but it’s the most exposure I’ve ever had.”

Tell us how you feel about being on the show?
“I am extremely excited and nervous to be on the show. My family and friends have been telling me for years to try out and I could never get up the guts to do it. I’ve finally gotten over enough of my stage fright to put on the performance that I want to though.”

What differentiates you from other musicians? “Two things differentiate me. First, I’ve been on both sides of the performance; being in the spotlight as a performer and being behind the scenes as a stagehand, so I know a lot about what it takes to put on a good show. Second, I am very diverse in my musical tastes and abilities. I can (and have) performed country, rock, musical theatre, pop, R&B and opera. I’m willing to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. That’s how I discovered that I liked performing all those different genres.”

Why do you deserve to be the next ‘Star of the Day?
“I’ve got the stage presence and I LOVE what I do. I’m constantly trying to improve and push myself farther as an artist. I would be completely content if I could make my livelihood performing.”

Michael Firicano & Marcella Ciambra
Hometown: Revere, MA
Singing: Bring Me To Life By: Evanescence

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
Mike- “I enjoy all types of music. Some of my favorite artist include: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith etc. I enjoy these because they write timeless anthems with great vocals.” Marcella- “I also enjoy many types of music. Some of my favorite artist are: Mariah, Beyonce, Eva Cassidy, Whitney Houston. I love when a person can sing as softly as a bird and switch to a powerhouse.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
Marcella- “Mariah Carey, her vocal range is incredible.” Mike- “The Beatles”

Tell us how you feel about being on the show:
Mike and Marcella- “We are so excited to be on the show. We love representing our city and performing is our passion.”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
Mike and Marcella- “Besides our high energy on stage, we are actually a couple as well. This definitely adds to the chemistry on stage.”

What song do you plan to sing on the show and why did you chose that song?
“Bring Me to Life by Evanescence because it shows that we can really sing as well as rock out as a duo!”

Danielle Samson

Hometown: Revere, MA
Singing: Seduces Me By: Celine Dion

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“I’ve been a singer for as long as I can remember. Early on, I remember being deeply inspired by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Amy Grant, Pat Benatar, Journey, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, the Police, Rush, Led Zeppelin. I used to steal my parents cassettes and listen to them in my room for hours. I always loved many different types of music.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
“Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill was the first CD I ever bought for myself at 10 years old. Her music was what inspired me to write my own songs and eventually take voice lessons in junior high and teach myself piano in high school!”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“When I was 15, I was modeling in affiliation with the New England Models Group (NEMG) based out of Commercial St. Manchester NH. I remember that year doing a hair show for Tony&Guy (TIGI)Bed Head products where I got to have my hair cut, colored and styled onstage by the hairstylist of the year for FREE!! It wasn’t a paid modeling gig but it was a really cool experience and my hair looked awesome when I went to NYC for the International Modeling and Talent Convention (IMTA) that year!”

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you?
“A thoughtful, loyal, silly girl!”

How do you like to spend your free time? Do you have hobbies?
“I don’t always have a lot of free time but when I do, I do love to cook and enjoy trying out new recipes and sharing them with family! I also love being able to just sit down at my piano and learn how to play a song I love or just messing around until I come up with an idea that I can build a song around! I feel like the piano is always introducing me to new techniques, constantly teaching me!”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
“Well, I always say, I was a singer first and a piano-player second. Over the years I’ve grown so much in forming my identity as not just a singer but a songwriter as well. I feel that the instrument-playing/songwriting element sets me apart from many but not all other vocalists. Also, I sing and play from the heart, not necessarily trying to conform to what’s popular.”

Lauren Bateman
Hometown: Medford
Singing an orignal called, “Rose Full of Thorns”

“How did you get interested in music in the first place?
I had first taken piano when I was in elementary school, but my real passion for music started when my sister bought me a guitar as a confirmation present in high school. It’s funny because my mom initially told my sister that she was wasting her money and that I would never use it, so I taught myself how to play. Discovering that I was able to create and write my own music knowing just a few chords opened up my world. I loved it so much, that in the beginning, I actually played until my fingers bled. The guitar was really inspiring for me. I’m not a big talker, so it was good to be able to put my feeling and emotions into song. In college, I became obsessed with writing music and seeing local artists perform at the clubs. I would have to lock my guitar in the closet to stop playing so that I would study. After recording my first album, I quit my job as research scientist to become a guitar and voice teacher and pursue music full-time.”

Where have you performed?
“I have performed at The Middle East, The Rainbow Riverfest, Boston Pride Week, Johnny D’s, Sally O’Brien’s, Oliver’s Nightclub, The Bitter End in NY, as well as small venues in ME, CT, and NH.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
“Musically, artists like Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge. They truly motivate me to keep writing and keep crafting my art to become better and better. I’m always listening for dynamic changes, cool chord progressions, and well-crafted lyrics. They both have amazing stage presence and can rock the house whether they are solo or with a band.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“My greatest accomplishment is having the relentless commitment and perseverance to share my music with the world. Through hard work and dedication, I built up my own guitar and voice teaching business so that I could quit my job as a scientist and dedicate all my time to creating music. I independently released my debut album and have had songs from that album played and included on numerous internet and college radio stations, podcasts, and compilation CDs. My dedication led me to even bigger gigs this year at Boston Pride Week, The Rainbow Riverfest, Lucky’s Ride and Nelson’s Ride Charity benefits and now Community Auditions.”

Tell us how you feel about being on the show:
“I am truly excited. I have been trying to get on this show for 3 years now. It’s really great to accomplish a goal you have been working on for a long time. I had a friend whose band was on the show and he said it was such a great experience and I cannot wait to experience it for myself. I know this is an amazing opportunity and can be a stepping stone to a lot of opportunities in the future.”

How would you describe your musical style?
“I am influenced by a number of acoustic players and rockers. I would best define my music in these categories: Acoustic Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock. There is a softer side to some of the music, but there are definitely aspects of it that are rooted in rock. I like to think of myself as the sweetness of Sheryl Crow and Natalie Merchant topped off with the edge of Melissa Etheridge and Stevie Nicks.”

Jeannette Champagne
Hometown: Marshfield, MA
Singing: Anyway By: Martina McBride

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“I could sing before I could talk…I remember being about 3yrs old and singing “Sparrows in a Hurricane” by Tanya Tucker into my Barbie Cassette Karaoke player! My dad is also plays bass and sings. I grew up in New Orleans and from a very early age I would sing onstage with my dad and his band. My parents used to stand me up on a table (at my dad’s gigs) and I would sing for people and play tambourine. I’ve never wanted to be anything but a singer for as long as I can remember.”

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
” And why do you like them? Rock music is my favorite music. I’m a die-hard Evanescence fan. I love Amy Lee. Her range is so versatile and I love that she adds layer upon layer of harmonies in her songs. I also love her lyrics. I think she is one of those rare artists who writes songs that mean something and aren’t all fluff.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“I think my greatest accomplishment so far is not giving up on myself. There was a time when I stopped singing altogether because someone basically told me “No, you’re not good enough”. It took me a while but I finally developed a “Forget You” attitude and started doing what made me happy and that has led me to singing on Community Auditions. That’s quite an accomplishment to me.”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
“I sing because it’s what I love to do most in this world. I don’t have a typical sound but I do have the ability to cover many genres of music. One second I’m singing a country song and then I’ll totally surprise you and cover Staind or Evanescence, then I’ll sing a classical piece. I’m different because I never choose songs for their genre and I never pick just one genre. I don’t like to limit or label my ability or music. I always pick my songs based on lyrics and what speaks to me and that in turn will inspire the listener.”

What song do you plan to sing on the show and why did you chose that song?
“I chose to sing “Anyway” by Martina McBride because I love the songs lyrics and range. There’s a line that says “you can pour your soul out singing a song you belive in, that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang, sing it anyway.” That speaks to me on so many levels and I knew it would be the perfect song for Community Auditions.”

How would you describe your musical style?
“I’m all over the board. I don’t like to limit myself to one specific style but my original music is folk /rock/pop/ R&B with an edge all wrapped up in biographical lyrics. If that makes any sense at all!”