How did growing up in Canada affect you as a musician?
My time in Toronto was crucial to my development as a musician, as a songwriter, especially as a classical pianist, because that's really where my roots are. I come from a very different place than most of the contestants. I really had no idea what was going on with pop music until I was about 15 years old. I studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music while I was living in Toronto and there were a number of people that were very influential in laying my foundation. I try to approach every week from the mindset of a composer, of a songwriter, of an arranger, and it's really helped me to connect with the audience because I've been able to create musical moments where both me and the audience soar together.

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