Eva Avila

Count Eva Avila among the myriad young singers launched to fame via the reality TV phenomenon of the early 21st century. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, on February 25, 1987, Avila made her public debut at age two. At nine, she claimed top honors on Homegrown Café, a prominent and influential radio talent show broadcast on local station CJOH, and later won the Jeune Diva du Quebec contest as well. Avila was nevertheless working as a postal clerk and beauty consultant when in early 2006 she successfully auditioned to compete on the fourth season of Canadian Idol, the Canuck spinoff of the global Pop Idol juggernaut. A clear fan favorite thanks in part to her stunning looks, she ultimately landed in the September 11 finals, a day later revealing her romance with fellow contestant Chad Doucette. On September 16 Avila was named the Canadian Idol champion, signing hours later with Sony BMG and topping the Canadian charts with her debut single, "Meant to Fly." Her debut LP, Somewhere Else, followed by year's end. ~ Jason Ankeny