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Who Is The 2005 Super Singer?

Roseville Singer Wins Competition

Five Super Singers competed for prizes including the chance to perform at the DTE Energy Theatre as an opening act for Hootie and the Blowfish. This year's Super Singer was selected by voters at ClickOnDetroit.com.

The Super Singers performed during Local 4's broadcast of The Target Fireworks on Wednesday, June 29. So, who is our winner?


Who Are This Year's Judges?

Ricky Taylor
JUDGE'S FINALIST/VIEWER'S CHOICE WINNER
Age: 16
Hometown: Roseville
Style: Pop, Big Band, classical
First Concert: His father's band

Don't let the glasses fool you. Ricky Taylor's keen eyes are set on becoming the next Paul McCartney, Bobby Darin, Clay Aiken, or Detroit's 2005 Super Singer.

The 16-year-old from Roseville, who loves the Pistons and Detroit's summer music scene, began his own musical career at age 9. He currently attends Warren's Arts Academy in the Woods where he studies voice and theater. He also plays the piano and snare drum in his spare time, as well as volunteers time to kids with disabilities.

In the future, Ricky sees a successful career with local bands that eventually leads to opening gigs for national acts. After making records, he'd like to teach high school choir.

The first concert Ricky remembers attending was his father's band, when he was only about 3 years old. Now his dad will be dancing in the audience when Ricky performs his first big gig on the Super Singer stage.

Learn more about this year's finalists:

Melissa Danese
Age: 20
Hometown: Amherstburg, Ontario
Style: Jazz, Swing, R&B
First concert: Backstreet Boys

Melissa Danese once sang in a school play dressed like a horse. Now she's traded in the saddle for the spotlight of Detroit's Super Singer stage.

The 20-year-old from Amherstburg, Ontario, began singing at age 10.

She confided that the first time she sang on stage "wasn't pretty," still she's become a vocalist who simply loves to perform. The die-hard shopper and Pistons fanatic now studies music at the University of Windsor and works as a vocal coach at the Academy for the Arts.

Her style, a fusion between jazz and R&B, is reflected in her song choices. From classic stand-bys like Frank Sinatra and Etta James to the expressive range of Alicia Keys, Melissa revels in soul.

The veteran pianist and aspiring guitarist is currently working on a solo album. With support from her friends, family and boyfriend, Mark, she plans to settle in New York or Toronto after graduation, where she'll try moving up the ranks of the recording industry.

Aisha Jamiel
JUDGE'S FINALIST
Age: 40
Hometown: Southfield
Style: Jazz, Blues, R&B
First concert: Prince

When her grandmother recorded her performing "Aquarius" at age 5, Aisha Jamiel had no plans for a singing career. Although she grew up in a musical family and listened to music as a teenager, attending her first concert, Prince, in 1982.

That all changed when the Southfield native won her first beauty pageant in 1986, also nabbing a "most talented" award for her vocal ability.

The pageant sparked a local singing career that's spanned almost 20 years. The former model who also plays saxophone and flute, has graced the stages of many Detroit venues including Baker's Keyboard Lounge, The Rhino at Harmonie Park and The Whitney. Her style reflects her favorite artists: Yolanda Adams and Ella Fitzgerald.

Aisha wants to continue pursuing her career in the music industry following the Super Singers competition. She'll be cheered on by her dad and friends, Dave and Mike.

Todd Lyons
Age: 19
Hometown: Detroit
Style: Pop, Hip-Hop
First Concert: Imature

Todd Lyons believes in dreams becoming reality. His mantra is work hard, endure setbacks and always look like you're having fun.

Growing up in Detroit, Todd began singing at age 4. He studied Michael Jackson's "Black or White" music video, envisioning an iconic musical career for himself.

Now, the 2004 graduate of the Henry Ford Academy spends time writing songs, working out and dancing with friends at his favorite club, Altered State. The 19-year-old works at Potbelly Sandwich Works and lives in Detroit.

Todd plans to seal a recording contract by the end of this year and release his first album, featuring his pop and hip-hop style, in 2006. Eventually, he'd like to break into movies and set up his own record label.

He hopes to jump-start the careers of young singers like himself.

Todd is cheered on from the audience by his mom, family and best friend, Gida.

Meagan Mazur
Age: 14
Hometown: Clinton Township
Style: Pop, show tunes, country
First Concert: Martina McBride

Some people are just born talented. Fourteen-year-old Meagan Mazur is proof.

It's hard to believe, but the Clinton Township teen has never had a vocal lesson. She began singing at age 4, recently honing her skills at Chippewa Valley High School, where she performs in musicals and choir.

Meagan's vocal choices are versatile. Country or pop, a dance track or ballad, she picks songs that have personal significance. Her all-time favorite tune is The Starting Line's "The Best of Me."

As for a future in music, the youngest competitor in this year's Super Singer competition isn't sure where the notes will fall. She wants to learn the guitar and match the success of any modern-day musical success.

Whatever her path, Meagan is supported by her biggest and fans, her parents, as well as her grandparents and brother Darrell, who is now serving with the U.S. military in Korea.

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