Judge for Erica Viegas

Raised in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada in a musical family, Erica has always had a passion for music. Since begging her parents to let her take voice lessons at age 11, she has grabbed at every opportunity to be on stage, whether it was singing in a school play or performing the national anthem at an assembly. For more than 10 years, she has been singing at festivals and talent competitions all over Western Canada, including the Alberta Tattoo at Rexall Place, Calgary Stampede, Big Valley Jamboree, and Canadian Search for Miss Universe. In 2003 and 2004, Erica represented the City of Edmonton as Klondike Katie during the Edmonton Klondike Days (now Capital Ex), performing 50 times during the 10-day festival.

Working towards unveiling more of herself through music, Erica recently independently recorded her first EP, Where My Heart Goes - a collection of original songs that share snapshots of experiences from her past and present. Her powerful voice conveys emotions that many of her listeners can relate to – the humbling of gratitude, the contentment of love, and the fear of abandonment. The album has been featured on CBC Radio, community and college stations across Canada. A portion of the proceeds from the album will go towards One International Poverty Relief, a school for street children in Mumbai, India where Erica volunteered and was inspired to write the last song “Thank You.”

Performing with her piano and guitar at coffee shops, tea houses, churches, living rooms, open stages, parks, and festivals, Erica continues to enjoy the connection that comes from sharing her own music.

Sounds like: A folkish pop-y pianolike guitarish mix...straight from the heart.