Just days out from Santa’s arrival and Cleveland’s Alexa Curtis is deep in thought about “My Grown Up Christmas List”.
So what is it about this Kelly Clarkson composition that strikes a chord with this home-grown winner of The Voice Kids 2014, and makes it her personal favourite of the four songs she will perform at Christmas by Starlight at Capalaba Regional Park on December 6?
“It suits my voice,” shares this lively 10-year-old with the world at her feet. “And it tells a story for me … it reminds me that I know what I’m doing.”
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It’s been a hectic two months since Alexa – who had no formal vocal training – was announced winner of the Nine Network’s The Voice Kids and immediately claimed as their own by a wide variety of organisations … in fact even the entire cities of the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
“It was pretty special,” she says of her whirlwind rise to stardom. “The day after the finale was televised was a public holiday and when I got to school on the Tuesday my entire year level came out front to congratulate me, waving placards, flying balloons and clapping.
“And then we went into the junior school area and there was everyone cheering … it was all so cool.”
Although she’s now a regular on the national stage, the Redlands College student admits she is excited about her home-town engagement in front of her family and closest friends.
“They just treat me normal,” she says of her friends. “And I like that … it reminds me of who I am.”
So what, specifically, is on Alexa’s “Grown Up Christmas List”? To extend her bedroom and build a recording studio, of course!
“One with a private door off my bedroom,” she says, shooting a quick glance toward her dad and self-confessed ‘delegated taxi driver’, Tony. “That would be cool.”
What else? “And a shopping spree – for new clothes and shoes … and a hair curler for my mum (Michelle). My birthday is straight after Christmas so I get half and half with presents – for my birthday I’d like some skates … and a spa pool!”
And who’s the “coolest” person she’s met since her mid-year blind audition for The Voice Kids, excluding Dad, Mum, brother (Aidan) … and, of course, the scribe asking her all these questions? “It has to be Delta (Goodrem),” she says of her very first vocal career coach, who she has described as being ‘like a Disney princess’.
“She’s treats me really nice and actually cares about ‘me’ – not what I look like … but who I really am.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Alexa’s exceptional success was reflective of the depth of local talent spanning the entire spectrum of arts … and admits that even she is excited in the lead-up to the biggest free community event in the Redlands – Christmas by Starlight on December 6.
“Christmas by Starlight is shaping up as another great celebration of this very special time of year,” said Cr Williams.
“Preparations are well advanced and that is a real credit to everyone involved, especially Deputy Mayor and concert producer Cr Alan Beard, our dedicated council staff and all the volunteers who are involved.”
Alexa headlines the concert alongside former Ten Tenor Luke Kennedy and Wrecking Ball star Naomi Price, while other key performers to be accompanied by both the Redland Sinfonia Orchestra and Redland City Choir include locals Jal Joshua, Kiara Rodrigues, Leah Lever, Adeline Williams and Ali Crane.
“This free all-age, family-friendly event will open to the public at 4pm with an afternoon of children’s activities including an animal zoo, jumping castles, rock-climbing, face-painting and a visit from Santa himself,” said Cr Williams.
“At 5.45pm a children’s Christmas show will be held, followed by a traditional carols concert and concluding with a spectacular fireworks display – it’s going to be a fantastic night of entertainment.”
For more information visit Redland City Council’s website at www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs.
