Five contestants are getting ready to compete in Singing for Success – an event showcasing some of Bermuda’s talent and this year they will perform on the same stage as American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino. Here they spoke to Lifestyle reporter Rene Hill about their aims and aspirations Contestant Brittany Cox auditioned for this year's Singing for Success competition because she wanted to increase her knowledge of both the musical profession and of the contest.

The 17-year-old has been singing for about four years and although she is not a member of a choir, she felt that improving her talents would help her grow personally.

For the auditions she performed 'Broken-Hearted Girl' by Beyoncé and 'Love' by Keyshia Cole.

At first she admitted she was a little intimidated, but she said: "I was also confident in my talent and I was looking forward to the growth of this experience."

She added: "I think the Berklee scholarship would be a good opportunity for me to learn more about singing and it will hopefully give me more confidence in my talent, so that I can further my singing career. The possibility of earning a scholarship for higher learning is a fantastic opportunity."

So far she said that she has written a couple of songs with friends and she enjoys several different genres of music.

"With Rhythm and Blues being my favourite, because I think it caters more to young girls," said Miss Cox.

Miss Cox says she is honoured at the opportunity to perform on the same stage as American Idol Fantasia Barrino.

"I have always been a fan on her music and I loved her on American Idol," said the teenager.

Lillaurie Nzabalinda's said the Success Series was an excellent opportunity to see the business side of the music industry and thought it was also a great opportunity for people to pay for school.

"I think it will be a great experience just to meet Fantasia and talk to her, let alone perform with her," said Miss Nzabalinda. "I am looking forward to it."

The Bermuda Institute Choir member says she has been singing her whole life, although she did not publicly perform until she was aged 10.

"Soul music and gospel music are my favourite genres; I basically like anything with a beat or anything that is calm and serene," said the 17-year-old.

On her audition she said: "I decided to audition to try something new and get a new and different experience. I would like to become a professional, but there are a lot of other things I would like to do with music other than just singing."

When asked if she stood a good chance during the auditions when she heard the others, she said: "Yes I thought that I had a chance, I have enough confidence in myself."

Regarding the scholarship, she said: "I am looking forward to winning the scholarship. It's what I'm aiming for."

When she heard the other competitors performing, Rachel Maderios wasn't sure if she stood a chance at securing a place, but the teenager still made it into the finals.

"I wasn't sure when I heard them, as they all sang really well," said Miss Maderios. "I had some negative thoughts running through my head, but I thought to myself I'm just going to bring on my best."

She auditioned because she thought it was a good opportunity to display her many talents.

"I would like to be known around the world and have people singing, listening and dancing to my music," said the St. John's Youth Choir member.

For the auditions, she performed 'Jesus Take The Wheel' by Carrie Underwood and 'Heaven', a mix by DJ Sammy, but she added: "I like all kinds of music, though I don't really like rock music as much as the rest.

"But I find singing a variety of music is good, as it helps to bring out the inner voice you thought you didn't have."

On performing with Fantasia, she thought it would be cool to sing on stage with someone famous.

Miss Madeiros, who has been singing since she was four-years-old, began taking more seriously when she was aged 11, and now at 16, she says she is ready to win a scholarship and take her music to the next level.

"I am going to do my very best to win it," she said. "I will definitely use it, singing is my passion."

She writes her own lyrics and also produced a Christmas CD for her family.

On the Success Series, she said: "It's really great that Singing for Success is giving the people of Bermuda a chance to bring their talents to the stage.

"Also, to feel and know what it's really like to be big in the entertainment world. You get to travel and go on tour to perform in other cities in the US. It's great to gain experience with other performers and make new friends."

Her love of singing and the opportunity of winning a scholarship drove Shayla Woods to audition.

She performed 'His Eye is on the Sparrow' and 'Alabaster Box' says that she didn't doubt herself.

"I had confidence in myself, because everyone is unique in their own way," said the 21-year-old. "I feel that we have to work hard to receive scholarships, and this is a great way to earn it because I love to sing. I would love to see my singing career go worldwide! Who wouldn't?"

Miss Woods said she has been singing all her life, and was a member of the United Tehilla Ministries.

"My favourite genre of music is Gospel," she said. "I feel that Gospel music is pure and puts me on common ground."

Miss Woods, who says that writing songs is one of her hobbies, said she has recorded five original tunes with a producer/singer who is a member of Take 6.

She loves that the Success Series is bringing out the best in Bermuda's upcoming artists. "It helps to help fulfil our dreams and give us that extra push and step closer in furthering our education," she said.

"This series is helping me step out of my comfort zone, because this scholarship would be a blessing. This is our time to achieve!"

While some were nervous during the auditions, Dion Ming thought that although the competition was stiff, he had a chance. "It was more of a personal journey for me," he said.

"I'm pretty sure each of the entrants, including myself, had a few things running through our heads at the time of the audition.

"I can say that there was a lot of potential in the room. With that said, I did feel that I stood a chance."

He performed 'Knocks Me Off My Feet' by Stevie Wonder and 'So High' by John Legend and said he auditioned with the purpose of furthering his education and the development of his voice.

"I am definitely looking forward to winning the scholarship, so I can build upon the fundamentals that I have learned throughout the years," said the 27-year-old.

"Also to be a mentor to those looking to pursue a career in the arts."

He has been singing since eight and it was then that he joined a group called Brothers in Christ.

"I am not currently a member of a choir, however, I have been in quite a few throughout the years: The Vernon Temple Youth Choir, Voices of Triumph, The Inspirational Choir, and The Bermuda Institute Choir just to name a few."

He aims to enter the realm of Neo-Soul and to a drop a few records.

"Ultimately, most artists in the industry have a story to tell and I live to be a part of that number," he said.

"My favourite genre of music is Neo-Soul, because it is very expressive.

"The lyrics in most cases cannot be taken at face value.

"There is definitely substance in Neo-Soul music, which is right up my alley."

Although he has not recorded, he says that he is working on the art of writing lyrics.

And Mr. Ming is excited for the opportunity to sing alongside the likes of Fantasia.

"I can honestly say that I am quite fond of the endeavours being made by the organisers of the Success Series.

"I'm very grateful to have had this opportunity as no one is ever certain what tomorrow will bring.

"With that said, many thanks to the producers of the Success Series for the strides they are taking to ensure that our voices are heard."

In addition, he said: "To all those who are uncertain as to what direction they want to take in life. Sit back and figure out what it is that makes you truly happy.

"Think of ways to achieve this goal and take strides to achieve it. Do take advice from family and friends, but never let their opinions and values be the deciding factor as to how you will proceed in making your dreams a reality.

"Dream big, laugh loud, and play hard, but always bear in mind that the race was never intended for fastest, the brightest, or those that are always on time (metaphorically speaking), but for those that are willing to rise above and push forward amidst adversity and strife."