Canadian Idol winner added to Grey Cup lineup
October 20, 2006 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
Toronto, ON (October 20, 2006) - Eva Avila, the 2006 Canadian Idol winner, has been selected to sing the national anthem for this year's Grey Cup on November 19 in Winnipeg at Canad Inns Stadium.
This will be the latest honour for the 19-year-old Gatineau, Quebec resident who has captured the hearts of Canadians with her powerful vocal style.
"I am so excited to perform at this year's Grey Cup," Avila said. "I know how much this game means to the country, and I can't wait to get to Winnipeg!"
CFL Commissioner Tom Wright said the addition of Eva Avila is a great opportunity to showcase a rising, Canadian star.
"Eva Avila connected with Canadians on Canadian Idol, and performing the national anthem in a signature Canadian sports and cultural event such as the Grey Cup is a great thing for the Canadian Football League and for Eva," Wright said. "We're glad to have her talent showcased for the millions of viewers who annually watch the Grey Cup in Canada and around the world."
Kevin Walters, the Grey Cup Festival's Managing Director, welcomed Eva Avila's participation in this year's event.
"It's great having a new up-and-coming talent such as Eva Avila singing the national anthem after making a name for herself on Canadian Idol," Walters said. "It's an honour for the Grey Cup Committee and it will be a treat for everyone attending the game in person and everyone watching it on television."
Avila's victory in the fourth season of Canadian Idol added to her impressive resume, which already included a win in Quebec in the Jeune Diva du Quebec competition.
Avila has been signed by SONY BMG Music Entertainment (Inc.) and has been drawing rave reviews from fans for her debut single, Meant To Fly, written by Winnipeg 's Chantal Kreviazuk. After hitting the airwaves, the single quickly took over the top position on the Neilson Soundscan sales charts. Eva's debut album is slated to be released on November 14, 2006.
The attractive brunette has also been signed to a contract by Ford Models.
This will be the third time the singer has performed the national anthem at a professional sporting event - after gracing the home rinks of both the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this year.
The trilingual singer, who speaks English, French and Spanish, is a sports fan and a big supporter of her local Major Junior A hockey franchise, the Hull Olympiques.
All interviews for Eva Avila should be forwarded to Josh Glover at SONY BMG MUSIC (Canada) Inc.
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