Learning to let go and not play it safe paid off for singer Yvonne Nikolao who walked away with the title of Samoan Idol for 2015.
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In front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Tanoa Tusitala on Saturday evening, the 28 year old ANZ bank worker followed the advice of the judges and thereby took out the top award.
Yvonne is the daughter of Pastor Tuifua Sione and Akenese Nikolao of the Tree of Life at Vailele.
She was born and raised in New Zealand but moved to Samoa in 2013. “I’m really stoked and happy that I have won. The win is a bonus,” she said excitedly, “because here were certainly challenges along the way. “I was sick this morning but I thank God that I was able to sing.
The singer was buoyed by her faith, a strong family background in music and the support of a good friend. “Singing is in our family genes.
I grew up listening t o my mot her and three older sisters singing in the worship band from when I was five years old. “My encouragement to others is not to hide your talent.
Whatever talent you have, whatever gift God has given you, there is a reason why he gave it to you, precisely to you.” “You will find happiness when we put our talents into what God has called us to do with our lives.
“So don’t be afraid just come out; don’t be scared,” she said.
“I really learned that this is a platform to build on. ‘And every chance that I get to sing in front of the camera, is a chance for me to let shine what God has given me.”
Her best friend Tanya Falefasa was her strongest supporter, she acknowledged.
“We work at the bank together I only just met her couple of years ago.
“When we moved here it was hard for me connect to people musically and she definitely woke that up in me again.
“She was with me throughout this whole journey because my parents have been really busy; but she was there for me.
There were others to whom she was grateful.
“I want to acknowledge TV3 they have done so much for us.
“Thank you for the opportunity, and to the judges, for all their advice to help us better our talents.
“Also to my parents, my church family in Vailele and the ANZ Bank for their support” Tepatasi Siaosi won the Judges’ Award. The Judges award was voted on by the judges for the singer who worked and presented themselves best on the stage and was confident.
Tepatasi also took out second place in the contest, while David Fruean won 3rd place.
The show also revealed other talent and opportunities.
One of the contestants Cecilia Fabricius, was offered a job straight after the competition to entertain at Sails Restaurant.
The show is made possible with the ongoing support assistance of the major sponsor TV3 who have sponsored the show for more than 10 years now with help from other associated sponsors who believe in.
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