Bags of talent and a date with destiny

By ALAN PERROTT

If you look carefully you'll probably notice a small smile of satisfaction shortly after Birgette McCarthy starts singing.

"When I first go on stage people look at me and think 'Oh no, not another Britney Spears wannabe', but then they stop talking and you can see them think 'Oh, she can actually sing'. I just love that."

The 17-year-old has only been singing seriously for two years, but is already being seen as a future star.

Birgette's bedroom in her mother's Mt Albert flat is decorated with flyers, tickets and certificates marking her musical exploits.

Last month she won a competition to meet and sing with Destiny's Child and was afterwards asked to audition for an album of New Zealand artists being released by Mai FM.

She is hoping to catch the growing wave of New Zealand R&B and hip hop acts such as Deceptikonz and K'Lee who are adding an increasingly local flavour to the music charts.

Last year seven albums by New Zealand artists topped our charts and that number is expected to grow as local music gains momentum.

Supported by her parents, the enthusiastic and confident Birgette is entering every competition she can and is performing with several groups.

One of her mentors, sound engineer Paul Strange, says she has the X-factor.

After 20 years in this business, he claims to be a good judge of "contenders and pretenders".

"It isn't just their talent, it's attitude, the way they present themselves to the audience.

"Talent is only a small part of it. Birgette has a good solid foundation in her voice, but she also has a good look and a great manner. Everything she needs."

He first met Birgette after she won yet another singing competition and has since introduced her to a lot of different musicians to try various styles and gather advice.

"I would really like to see her make it," he says.

Birgette is now being trained by Caitlin Smith, one of Auckland's leading vocalists and singing teachers.

Her students have included Anika Moa, Tadpole's Renee Brennan, garage punks The D4 and The Datsuns, TrueBliss and, for a few days, the infamous Courtney Love.

Ms Smith says Birgette possesses a remarkable range and can effortlessly replicate the octave-vaulting vocal gymnastics of singers such as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

"I really like her attitude. Birgette is determined and professional.

"She has the potential to go on because she is ready to put in the hard work.

"A lot of people assume it's all about talent, but it can take 15 years to become an overnight success."

Birgette also has two part-time jobs and pours most of what she makes into singing and dancing lessons, gym fees and personal maintenance.

"You've always got to be looking your best because you never know who's in the audience.

"It's a lot of effort and it's very expensive, but singing is what I'm passionate about. This is what I want out of life."