A young local singer will put her talent to the test this summer in one of Ontario's longest-running talent competitions.
Ruby Manias, 11, will compete in this year's Rising Star competition at the Canadian National Exhibition, which has showcased artists aged 6-21 for the past 35 years.
Manias has been singing ever since she could speak, and got involved with musical theatre at six years old.
Her mother, Kim, recalls how her daughter started by singing along to Disney musicals when she was younger.
"I've always been very musically inclined. I guess I really just grew up on it," Manias told OrilliaMatters. "I've always been singing wherever I go, and dancing and having a good time."
After sending in an audition tape to contest organizers, Manias was given the green light to hit the big stage on Aug. 19.
"It's nerve-wracking, but it's also going to be an experience," she said. "It's going to be amazing."
The Regent Park Public School student will be singing Adele's Set Fire to the Rain on the CNE stage and she hopes the competition can bring her one step closer to a professional career in singing, writing musicals, and other artistic endeavours.
Competitors in the junior division, aged 6-12, have the opportunity to collect $1,000 in prize money for winning the competition, but Manias said the money isn't what she's focused on.
"It's not really about the money; it's more of the experience of doing it," she said.
Manias' mother said she is excited to see her daughter chasing her dreams.
"I'm so proud of her. I love to hear her sing. She's got an amazing voice, and I can't wait to see her upon the big stage at the CNE," she said. "We'll hope to see lots of people down there at the CNE, and if you're down there cheer for Ruby, please."
The preliminary round for the junior division takes place from Aug. 19-22. Following the semi-finals on Aug. 29-30, the juniors will compete for the title on Sep. 3.
