Six finalists were selected the KDB Entertainment's Singing for Success Series — Twanée Butterfield, Makeila Astwood, Ronald Gordon, Aimee Bento, Adrian Jones and Canjelae Taylor — and they will now perform next Saturday, April 19, at the Fairmont Southampton in front of representatives from some of America's top performance arts colleges, music industry scouts and Tempo, the Caribbean music station.

The Royal Gazette spoke to the finalists about their experiences with the programme to date.

Finalist Adrian Jones said he auditioned with an eye towards winning the scholarship. 'Winning a scholarship is my main priority," he said.

Mr. Jones, 17, has been singing since he was only six years old, and is currently the director of the St. Luke's AME family, women's and men's choir.

"I also direct Berkeley Institute's choir on some occasions even though I do not go there anymore," he said. He hopes to become a "soulful R&B singer".

"I would like to compose music and be an accomplished pianist and give back to Bermuda as much as possible," he said.

He chose the Brian McKnight song 'One Last Cry' for his audition as well as the gospel selection 'No Weapon'.

"Music is my life and my passion and I just like to feel what I perform or listen to," he said. "I also like songs that have a message or talk about life. I feel that without music this world would be a dark and stormy place."

Fellow finalist Aimee Bento, 16, said she auditioned because she flat out loves to sing.

"It's such a great feeling," she said. "My voice coach told me about it and I just thought I had to do it for the opportunity and because it's something I enjoy."

For the audition, she performed the Christina Aguilera song 'Hurt' a cappella.

"It was dedicated to my friend Miguel (Franco) who just lost his life in a serious bike accident," she said.

Bermuda Idol 2004 runner up Twanée Butterfield said she tried out because she recognised the prospect of furthering her career. "I auditioned because I immediately recognised that this was an excellent opportunity providing me the possibility of further pursuing my knowledge as a performing artist," said the 22-year-old. "I'm ecstatic and absolutely looking forward to a chance at winning the educational scholarship."

For the audition, Miss Butterfield performed 'No One' by Alicia Keys, 'Listen' by Beyoncé, and for the call back on the same evening, 'Open My Heart' by Yolanda Adams.

Miss Butterfield has been singing since she was two years old and performing publicly from the age of seven.

She has recently recorded a few songs, which are being played locally.

"I have recorded several songs and currently I have a song in heavy rotation at HOTT 107.5 FM entitled 'Holla,' which was co-written by myself, Mike B, a producer of Hot City Music Group/SRC/Universal, and Darryl Anthony, former singer of Az Yet.

Finalist Canjelae Taylor said that when she heard that there was a scholarship being awarded by Berklee College of Music, she jumped at the chance to audition.

"I just knew that not only because of gained exposure, but the possible financial benefits that I had to try out," said the 17-year-old. "I will be sure to do my best. This is such an opportunity for me especially since I've just been accepted into Berklee College of Music, so I'm really praying hard that my best will shine through no matter what the outcome."

For the audition, she performed 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston and her second song was a gospel medley of her favourite hymns.

She has been singing since she was ten years old and is a soprano in the Seventh-day Adventist Youth Choir, United In Christ.

Miss Taylor aims to become a professional singer/songwriter, but she also has a keen interest in entertainment business and management.

At present she has a song on the radio called 'I'm Free', which she co-wrote with Dainavan Tuzo. "I absolutely love writing songs and I especially like singing them because through them I really express myself and show me," she said.

Fellow competitor Ronald Gordon said he was nervous about entering the competition but felt it was something he had to do.

"I get butterflies, so I thought the competition would be a great opportunity to get some experience performing in front of a large crowd of people," said the singer, who recently sang an original rendition of 'Amazing Grace' at the Run For Freedom event.

The 25-year-old said the scholarship was a draw but not his main consideration. "For sure, the educational scholarship would be a boon, but I am in the competition to hone my performance under pressure," he said.

Mr. Gordon is a member of Bermuda Chamber Choir. He performed 'Superstition' and 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'.

His aim is to become an international superstar, but he said: "One step at a time, eh?"

Although he has recorded some of his music, he said: "But I'm no veteran, by any stretch of the imagination.

"I write hooks; my sister writes the songs," he said.

Last but not least, finalist Meleila Astwood said she auditioned to gain exposure to the music industry. For the audition, she performed 'I Can't Give Up Now' by Mary Mary and 'Caro Mio Ben', an opera selection.

Miss Astwood grew up singing in choirs, but only began singing as a solo artist three years ago.

The 19-year-old said: "I aspire to be a professional singer/songwriter, however, I also have a passion for opera singing."

Five years ago, she recorded her first song and songwriting is one of her favourite pastimes.

* Tickets for the event, $65, are available at People's Pharmacy, Shannon's Boutiques and the iStore. Doors open at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information ring 504-8790.