Suzie McNeil
Encyclopedia
Susan Jane "Suzie" McNeil is a Canadian (Toronto
-based) pop rock
recording artist.
reality
show Rock Star: INXS
, a televised competition to find a new lead singer for the band INXS. McNeil made it to the final four of the competition and was the last female singer to be eliminated.
During the competition, McNeil gained respect from the INXS
band members and fans. She was nicknamed "Sweet Suzie McNeil" by host Dave Navarro
. INXS were impressed by her talent and her tenacity. Despite her rave reviews, McNeil faced the Bottom Three six times during the competition, prompting her to create a hat which read "Queen of the Bottom Three." In the Bottom Three, contestants sang INXS songs, at which McNeil excelled, likely explaining her survival. Some standout performances throughout the show (excluding her INXS songs) were The Rolling Stones
', "Start Me Up
", R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion
" and Queen
's "Bohemian Rhapsody
." During the competition, McNeil performed an original song called "Soul Life" which she co-wrote with fellow Rock Star: INXS contestant Ty Taylor
. McNeil was eliminated in the Final Four, where there was much speculation that INXS had finally agreed upon a male lead singer. On September 24, 2005, McNeil performed a sold-out show at the Revival Club in Toronto.
McNeil is featured on a few tracks on INXS' album Switch
. Examples are "Us" and "God's Top Ten."
, to develop her music career. On January 26, 2006 she announced plans to record her first CD with Executive Producer John Kalodner
and Producer Marti Frederiksen
. In the summer of 2006, McNeil performed as a backup singer for Pink on Pink's North American tour.
McNeil's first single, "Believe", is available to download on iTunes
. It has been featured on NBC's promo for "The Biggest Loser" reality weight-loss show as well as throughout season four of Beauty and the Geek. The song was exclusively debuted by "King Ben's Injection of Perfection" in Sydney on September 9, 2006, to positive reaction. The single was also used to raise funds for Own the Podium
, an organization working to make sure that Canadian athletes win the most Olympic medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics
in Vancouver
.
McNeil appears on Matt Nathanson
's album Some Mad Hope
. She sings background vocals on the songs "Sooner Surrender" and "Bulletproof Weeks." She also appears on Clay Aiken
's album A Thousand Different Ways
as guest vocalist on "I Want to Know What Love Is
", a cover of the Foreigner
song.
McNeil's single "Hung Up" has gained significant radio airplay, especially in Canada, and it is also available on iTunes. The music video was released to MuchMoreMusic
on the week of February 19, 2007 and was uploaded to YouTube
on February 10, 2007.
McNeil appeared as the character Oz in the Canadian production of "We Will Rock You
" at the Canon Theater in Toronto
until August 1, 2007.
McNeil has sung several versions of Marineland ad jingles.
In May 2008, McNeil released her third music video, "Lonely (Are You Coming Home?)".
McNeil held a contest for all of her fans across Canada to sing her hit single "Believe" and post it on her website and viewers would vote for who shall win.
McNeil was one of the judges on the first season of the children's Canadian reality TV show, The Next Star
, on YTV, which premiered on July 18, 2008. She also recorded the theme song for the show, "Let's Go", and performed it on the show's first season finale at Canada's Wonderland in Toronto
on September 28, 2008.
It was announced on October 13, 2008 during the Montreal Alouettes
and Calgary Stampeders
football game, that she would be one of the musical acts to play during 96th Grey Cup
halftime show along with Theory Of A Deadman
and Andrée Watters
. The Grey Cup aired live on November 23, 2008.
On November 4, 2008, McNeil released her second solo album Rock n Roller which featured her latest Top 20 hit "Let's Go".
On March 28, 2009, McNeil headlined a concert held at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto
to celebrate WWF
's Earth Hour
.
McNeil appears in commercials for Thrive lozenges to help quit smoking.
McNeil's song "Believe" was originally recorded and released on her debut CD, Broken & Beautiful. The Olympic inspired video for "Believe" was recorded with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and released on September 17, 2007. The video stars Canadian Olympians Steve Omischl (freestyle skiing - aerials), Joannie Rochette (figure skating), and Clara Hughes (speed skating). Downloads of the song are available at bell.ca/believe, and proceeds from every song will be donated to Own the Podium 2010. http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/feature-stories/inviting-canadians-to-believe_39550hh.html
McNeil appeared on Canadian Idol
winner Brian Melo
's second album The Truth.
in Canada featured a segment on the house McNeil shares with friend and fellow Rock Star: INXS contestant Tara Slone
.
McNeil announced nationally her recent engagement to We Will Rock You cast mate, Scott Walters, July 3, 2008 on ET Canada. They were engaged July 1, 2008.
Other recordings
"Call Me" – McNeil's rendition of Blondie's "Call Me" was considered "a ballsy choice," and INXS thought she "nailed it." Still she was in the Bottom Three.
"Roxanne" – Again, the judges felt McNeil "nailed it", and her performance was finally enough to garner the votes to evade the Bottom Three.
"Superstition" – Stevie Wonder's hit was met with positive reviews; she began with a harmonica riff.
"Get Back" – The first Beatles song in the competition, McNeil expressed an honor in performing it. INXS felt that her dropping back while band members did instrumentals was "a joy to watch."
"Losing My Religion" – Going into this week, McNeil originally planned to go into the song a capella. Her actual performance followed the advice of J. D. Fortune with a steady rock beat in the background. This was called "a brilliant move" by INXS, as it highlighted McNeil's voice. Shockingly, she landed in the Bottom Three.
"Bring it On Home to Me" – After surprisingly landing in the Bottom Three the previous week, McNeil hoped to escape it this week. Having never heard the song before, she was unsure of how to approach it. Her final product was called "fantastic," prompting a band member to tell McNeil her voice was "one of the best in the competition." Despite her effort, she was again placed in the Bottom Three.
"Start Me Up" – McNeil truly hoped to nail this performance, as she no longer wanted to be in the Bottom Three. Her performance had high energy, ending with a mosh pit. Her comments from INXS were especially encouraging. "I am in total shock that you've ever been in the bottom three," host Dave Navarro
said. A band member agreed, "Tonight was exceptional." A second added "Looked like you meant business, and you sounded like you meant business." Not only did she escape the Bottom Three, but it was revealed that she was the ONLY contestant not to be in the bottom three at any moment in the voting process. She won her first encore performance.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" – Considered by some to be the pinnacle performance of McNeil's in the competition, the Queen
classic proved to be quite a success for McNeil. INXS continued to give shining feedback. "That was one of the most spectacular things I think I've ever seen...That was a show!" ... "That's gotta be the best performance I've seen through the whole show -- ever." ... "I'm so proud that you want to be part of our band." This comment, in particular, caused McNeil to "faint" in joy. She again evaded the Bottom Three AND won the encore performance.
"I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Soul Life" – INXS claimed the first song was a test of her power. Immediately following her performance, they claimed that she "sold it." The second part of her performance—"Soul Life"—was an original song of McNeil's, and it met with good reviews, but some minor questions. One member of the band was unsure of whether the song could ever be played by INXS; another argued that, with some tweaking, it could. For whatever reason, McNeil was—once again—in the bottom three, but was not eliminated.
"Interstate Love Song" and "What's Up?" – McNeil's performance of the two songs were back-to-back, and both met with positive reviews. INXS stated that McNeil had "the best voice in the competition." They called the performance "fantastic." Fans were not so positive, however; the Interstate Love Song was called "less than stellar" and "What's Up?" included a vocal glitch, particularly on the word "revolution." McNeil was in the Bottom Three for the final time this week, eliminated.
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
-based) pop rock
Pop rock
Pop rock is a music genre which mixes a catchy pop style and light lyrics in its guitar-based rock songs. There are varying definitions of the term, ranging from a slower and mellower form of rock music to a subgenre of pop music...
recording artist.
Early life
McNeil was born in Mississauga, Ontario. She has a sister, Laura Norris, a teacher at a public high school in Toronto.Rock Star: INXS
In 2005, McNeil was a contestant on the CBSCBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
reality
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
show Rock Star: INXS
Rock Star: INXS
Rock Star: INXS is the first season of the reality television show Rock Star where 15 contestants competed to become the lead vocalist for the Australian rock band INXS....
, a televised competition to find a new lead singer for the band INXS. McNeil made it to the final four of the competition and was the last female singer to be eliminated.
During the competition, McNeil gained respect from the INXS
INXS
INXS are an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. Mainstays are Garry Gary Beers on bass guitar, Andrew Farriss on guitar/keyboards, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss on lead guitar and Kirk Pengilly on guitar/sax...
band members and fans. She was nicknamed "Sweet Suzie McNeil" by host Dave Navarro
Dave Navarro
David Michael "Dave" Navarro is an American guitarist who plays in the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction and cover band Camp Freddy. He has also played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Panic Channel, and many others.- Early life :...
. INXS were impressed by her talent and her tenacity. Despite her rave reviews, McNeil faced the Bottom Three six times during the competition, prompting her to create a hat which read "Queen of the Bottom Three." In the Bottom Three, contestants sang INXS songs, at which McNeil excelled, likely explaining her survival. Some standout performances throughout the show (excluding her INXS songs) were The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
', "Start Me Up
Start Me Up
"Start Me Up" is a song by The Rolling Stones featured on the 1981 album Tattoo You. Released as the album's lead single, it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the UK Singles Chart.-Writing and recording:...
", R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion
Losing My Religion
"Losing My Religion" is a song by the American alternative rock band R.E.M. The song was released as the first single from the group's 1991 album Out of Time. Based around a mandolin riff, "Losing My Religion" was an unlikely hit for the group, garnering heavy airplay on radio as well as on MTV due...
" and Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
's "Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody
"Bohemian Rhapsody" is a song by the British rock band Queen. It was written by Freddie Mercury for the band's 1975 album A Night at the Opera...
." During the competition, McNeil performed an original song called "Soul Life" which she co-wrote with fellow Rock Star: INXS contestant Ty Taylor
Ty Taylor
Ty Taylor is an American musician best known for being the guitarist and vocalist of R&B group Dakota Moon and was also a contestant on the reality TV show Rock Star: INXS. He is currently the lead singer and guitarist for Los Angeles based Soul/Rock band, Vintage Trouble...
. McNeil was eliminated in the Final Four, where there was much speculation that INXS had finally agreed upon a male lead singer. On September 24, 2005, McNeil performed a sold-out show at the Revival Club in Toronto.
McNeil is featured on a few tracks on INXS' album Switch
Switch (INXS album)
Switch is the eleventh studio album by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released on 29 November 2005. It is notable for being the first album with new lead singer J.D. Fortune since the 1997 death of Michael Hutchence.-Background:...
. Examples are "Us" and "God's Top Ten."
Post-Rock Star: INXS
In January 2006, McNeil moved to Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, to develop her music career. On January 26, 2006 she announced plans to record her first CD with Executive Producer John Kalodner
John Kalodner
John David Kalodner is a retired American A&R executive. His achievements included signing Foreigner, AC/DC, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins to Atlantic Records in the seventies....
and Producer Marti Frederiksen
Marti Frederiksen
Martin Harold Frederiksen is an American songwriter, record producer, and musician. He writes and produces music primarily in rock, country, and pop...
. In the summer of 2006, McNeil performed as a backup singer for Pink on Pink's North American tour.
McNeil's first single, "Believe", is available to download on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
. It has been featured on NBC's promo for "The Biggest Loser" reality weight-loss show as well as throughout season four of Beauty and the Geek. The song was exclusively debuted by "King Ben's Injection of Perfection" in Sydney on September 9, 2006, to positive reaction. The single was also used to raise funds for Own the Podium
Own the Podium
Podium Canada, or more commonly Own the Podium, is a Canadian umbrella sport technical program launched in January 2005 Originally created as Own the Podium - 2010 to prepare Canadian athletes to reach medal finishes at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the program has since expanded to include a...
, an organization working to make sure that Canadian athletes win the most Olympic medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
.
McNeil appears on Matt Nathanson
Matt Nathanson
Matt Nathanson is an American singer-songwriter whose work is a blend of folk and rock music. In addition to singing, he plays acoustic and electric guitar, and has played both solo and with a full band. His work includes the platinum-selling song "Come On Get Higher".-Early life and college...
's album Some Mad Hope
Some Mad Hope
Some Mad Hope is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson, released on August 14, 2007 on Vanguard Records. It peaked on the Billboard 200 at #60, and peaked at 3 on the Top Independent Albums. Some Mad Hope was Nathanson's first album for Vanguard Records, and contained...
. She sings background vocals on the songs "Sooner Surrender" and "Bulletproof Weeks." She also appears on Clay Aiken
Clay Aiken
Clayton Holmes "Clay" Aiken is an American singer, songwriter, actor, producer and author who began his rise to fame on the second season of the television program American Idol in 2003. RCA Records offered him a recording contract, and his multi-platinum debut album Measure of a Man was released...
's album A Thousand Different Ways
A Thousand Different Ways
A Thousand Different Ways is the third studio album by Clay Aiken. The album, which was executive produced by Jaymes Foster, consists of ten covers and four new songs. It was released by RCA on September 19, 2006...
as guest vocalist on "I Want to Know What Love Is
I Want to Know What Love Is
"I Want to Know What Love Is" is a 1984 power ballad recorded by the British-American rock band Foreigner. The song hit #1 in both the UK and the U.S. and is the band's biggest hit...
", a cover of the Foreigner
Foreigner (band)
Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...
song.
McNeil's single "Hung Up" has gained significant radio airplay, especially in Canada, and it is also available on iTunes. The music video was released to MuchMoreMusic
MuchMoreMusic
MuchMore is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel owned by Bell Media, based at 299 Queen Street West in Toronto, Ontario....
on the week of February 19, 2007 and was uploaded to YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
on February 10, 2007.
McNeil appeared as the character Oz in the Canadian production of "We Will Rock You
We Will Rock You (musical)
We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical, based on the songs of Queen and named after their hit single of the same name. The musical was written by British comedian and author Ben Elton in collaboration with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor...
" at the Canon Theater in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
until August 1, 2007.
McNeil has sung several versions of Marineland ad jingles.
In May 2008, McNeil released her third music video, "Lonely (Are You Coming Home?)".
McNeil held a contest for all of her fans across Canada to sing her hit single "Believe" and post it on her website and viewers would vote for who shall win.
McNeil was one of the judges on the first season of the children's Canadian reality TV show, The Next Star
The Next Star
The Next Star is a Canadian reality television show on YTV hosted by Adamo Ruggiero. The show is a competition to find the most talented singer in Canada who is under 15 years of age. The next star inspires many to come and audition for their chance to win the next star. Winning contestants are...
, on YTV, which premiered on July 18, 2008. She also recorded the theme song for the show, "Let's Go", and performed it on the show's first season finale at Canada's Wonderland in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
on September 28, 2008.
It was announced on October 13, 2008 during the Montreal Alouettes
Montreal Alouettes
The Montreal Alouettes are a Canadian Football League team based in Montreal, Quebec.The current franchise named the Alouettes moved to Montreal from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996 where they had been known as the Baltimore Stallions...
and Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders
The Calgary Stampeders are a Canadian Football League team based in Calgary, Alberta and named in reference to the Calgary Stampede. The Stampeders play their home games at McMahon Stadium...
football game, that she would be one of the musical acts to play during 96th Grey Cup
96th Grey Cup
The 96th Grey Cup was held in Montreal, Quebec at Olympic Stadium on November 23, 2008. The Eastern Division Champion Montreal Alouettes hosted the Western Division Champion Calgary Stampeders. The Stampeders won the game 22-14, with quarterback Henry Burris winning the MVP award...
halftime show along with Theory Of A Deadman
Theory of a Deadman
Theory of a Deadman is a Canadian rock band from Delta, British Columbia, formed in 2001. The band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as Island Records. The band also includes traits of other music styles, such as country and acoustic, as well as their post-grunge and alternative...
and Andrée Watters
Andrée Watters
Andrée Watters-Michaud is a musician and a one-time Felix-award winner in 2004, from Quebec-Early/Non career life:...
. The Grey Cup aired live on November 23, 2008.
On November 4, 2008, McNeil released her second solo album Rock n Roller which featured her latest Top 20 hit "Let's Go".
On March 28, 2009, McNeil headlined a concert held at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
to celebrate WWF
World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment, formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States...
's Earth Hour
Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global event organized by WWF and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, asking households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change...
.
McNeil appears in commercials for Thrive lozenges to help quit smoking.
McNeil's song "Believe" was originally recorded and released on her debut CD, Broken & Beautiful. The Olympic inspired video for "Believe" was recorded with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and released on September 17, 2007. The video stars Canadian Olympians Steve Omischl (freestyle skiing - aerials), Joannie Rochette (figure skating), and Clara Hughes (speed skating). Downloads of the song are available at bell.ca/believe, and proceeds from every song will be donated to Own the Podium 2010. http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/feature-stories/inviting-canadians-to-believe_39550hh.html
McNeil appeared on Canadian Idol
Canadian Idol
Canadian Idol is a Canadian reality television competition show which aired on CTV, based on the British show Pop Idol. The show was a competition to find the most talented young singer in Canada, and was hosted by Ben Mulroney. Jon Dore was the "roving reporter" for the first three seasons...
winner Brian Melo
Brian Melo
Brian Melo is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario who was the winner of the fifth season of Canadian Idol in 2007. His first studio album, Livin' It, achieved Gold Status in Canada...
's second album The Truth.
Personal life
In March 2008, MTV CribsMTV Cribs
MTV Cribs and CMT Cribs, depending on which channel it airs, is a franchise reality television program that originated on the MTV Networks' MTV. It later aired on its CMT channel that features tours of the houses and mansions of celebrities. The first show aired September 2000...
in Canada featured a segment on the house McNeil shares with friend and fellow Rock Star: INXS contestant Tara Slone
Tara Slone
Tara Slone is a Canadian rock vocalist.Born in Montreal, Quebec, and raised in Nova Scotia, Slone began pursuing classical voice training at the age of 12 with the goal of becoming an opera singer. At the age of 18, she attended Concordia University to pursue a degree in music...
.
McNeil announced nationally her recent engagement to We Will Rock You cast mate, Scott Walters, July 3, 2008 on ET Canada. They were engaged July 1, 2008.
Albums
- Broken & BeautifulBroken & Beautiful (Suzie McNeil album)Broken & Beautiful is the debut album from Canadian rocker Suzie McNeil, released on April 10, 2007.-Track listing:#"Lonely - " - 4:28#"Believe" - - 3:41...
(2007) - Rock-n-RollerRock-n-RollerRock-n-Roller is the second album from Canadian singer-songwriter Suzie McNeil, released on November 4, 2008.-Track listing:#"Let's Go - " - 3:04#"I Wanna Know" - - 3:12...
(2008) - Live Acoustic (2010)
- Dear Love (2011)
Singles
| Year | Song | CAN Canadian Hot 100 The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007... |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Hung Up" | 87 | Broken & Beautiful |
| "Believe" | 61 | ||
| "Broken & Beautiful" | — | ||
| 2008 | "Lonely (Are You Coming Home?)" | — | |
| "Let's Go" | — | Rock-n-Roller | |
| "Don't Tell Me Goodbye | — | ||
| 2009 | "Supergirl" | 26 | Rock-n-Roller - Reloaded |
| "Help Me Out" | — | ||
| 2011 | "Drama Queen" | 96 | non-album singles |
| "Merry Go Round" | 75 | ||
Other recordings
- "It's Christmas Time" (not released on Broken & Beautiful or Rock-n-Roller albums) failed to chart
Music videos
- Hung Up
- Believe
- Lonely (Are You Coming Home?)
- Let's Go
- SuperGirl
- Drama Queen
- Merry Go Round
Rock Star: INXS performances
"Remedy" – In the first performance, McNeil missed her cue and then switched the first and second verses. Despite this, her vocal performance was praised, and she narrowly escaped elimination."Call Me" – McNeil's rendition of Blondie's "Call Me" was considered "a ballsy choice," and INXS thought she "nailed it." Still she was in the Bottom Three.
"Roxanne" – Again, the judges felt McNeil "nailed it", and her performance was finally enough to garner the votes to evade the Bottom Three.
"Superstition" – Stevie Wonder's hit was met with positive reviews; she began with a harmonica riff.
"Get Back" – The first Beatles song in the competition, McNeil expressed an honor in performing it. INXS felt that her dropping back while band members did instrumentals was "a joy to watch."
"Losing My Religion" – Going into this week, McNeil originally planned to go into the song a capella. Her actual performance followed the advice of J. D. Fortune with a steady rock beat in the background. This was called "a brilliant move" by INXS, as it highlighted McNeil's voice. Shockingly, she landed in the Bottom Three.
"Bring it On Home to Me" – After surprisingly landing in the Bottom Three the previous week, McNeil hoped to escape it this week. Having never heard the song before, she was unsure of how to approach it. Her final product was called "fantastic," prompting a band member to tell McNeil her voice was "one of the best in the competition." Despite her effort, she was again placed in the Bottom Three.
"Start Me Up" – McNeil truly hoped to nail this performance, as she no longer wanted to be in the Bottom Three. Her performance had high energy, ending with a mosh pit. Her comments from INXS were especially encouraging. "I am in total shock that you've ever been in the bottom three," host Dave Navarro
Dave Navarro
David Michael "Dave" Navarro is an American guitarist who plays in the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction and cover band Camp Freddy. He has also played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Panic Channel, and many others.- Early life :...
said. A band member agreed, "Tonight was exceptional." A second added "Looked like you meant business, and you sounded like you meant business." Not only did she escape the Bottom Three, but it was revealed that she was the ONLY contestant not to be in the bottom three at any moment in the voting process. She won her first encore performance.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" – Considered by some to be the pinnacle performance of McNeil's in the competition, the Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
classic proved to be quite a success for McNeil. INXS continued to give shining feedback. "That was one of the most spectacular things I think I've ever seen...That was a show!" ... "That's gotta be the best performance I've seen through the whole show -- ever." ... "I'm so proud that you want to be part of our band." This comment, in particular, caused McNeil to "faint" in joy. She again evaded the Bottom Three AND won the encore performance.
"I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Soul Life" – INXS claimed the first song was a test of her power. Immediately following her performance, they claimed that she "sold it." The second part of her performance—"Soul Life"—was an original song of McNeil's, and it met with good reviews, but some minor questions. One member of the band was unsure of whether the song could ever be played by INXS; another argued that, with some tweaking, it could. For whatever reason, McNeil was—once again—in the bottom three, but was not eliminated.
"Interstate Love Song" and "What's Up?" – McNeil's performance of the two songs were back-to-back, and both met with positive reviews. INXS stated that McNeil had "the best voice in the competition." They called the performance "fantastic." Fans were not so positive, however; the Interstate Love Song was called "less than stellar" and "What's Up?" included a vocal glitch, particularly on the word "revolution." McNeil was in the Bottom Three for the final time this week, eliminated.
Awards and nominations
| 2008 | Juno Award for New artist of the Year | Broken and Beautiful | |
| 2008 | Independent Music Award for Favourite pop Artist | Broken and Beautiful |
- Juno Award nomination (2008): New Artist of the YearJuno Award for New Artist of the YearThe Juno Award for New Artist of the Year has been awarded since 1974 as recognition each year for the best new artist/musician in Canada. The category was originally divided by separate awards for men and women...
- Independent Music Award (2008): Favourite Pop Artist/Group or Duo
- Canadian Radio Music Award nomination (2008): Hot AC – "Hung Up", AC – "Believe"
External links
- Suzie's CBS Biography
- Suzie's MSN Biography
- Suzie's Official Website
- Suzie McNeil bio on ROCKBANDLOUNGE.COM
- Suzie's MySpace
- Audio Interview recorded April 2007 in Toronto, Canada
- Suzie McNeil Official Fan Site