Theresa Sokyrka

Theresa Sokyrka (born April 1, 1981 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian singer-songwriter. On the second season of "Canadian Idol", she was the final runner-up to winner Kalan Porter.

Biography

Sokyrka studied music at Red Deer College in Red Deer, Alberta. She is drawn to the blues and jazz more than other musical genres, and sings with passion and vulnerability. She loves to scat, adding flare and style to her songs. During an "Idol" taping, Lionel Richie said there was "the soul of an old black woman living inside her". She comes from a very musical family, and she plays the violin, guitar, and piano.

Theresa attended the Ukrainian bilingual elementary school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She also attended St. Michael's elementary school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She attended high school at Holy Cross High School (Saskatoon). Sokyrka currently lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she spends about four months per year. Her music career takes her around the world during the remaining months.

Canadian Idol

On the second season of Canadian idol, Theresa Sokyrka was known for scatting during her songs, the grace she showed during the judges' critiques, and her friendly personality. Zack Werner once said she was his favourite singer on the show from the first two seasons. A memorable comment made about Sokyrka came from judge Jake Gold; he said "Your future is so bright, I've got to wear shades" as he put on his sunglasses. Kalan Porter said it was great ending the show with Theresa, and that she had something really special to offer. The duet they performed during the finale, "True Colors", was arguably one of the most touching moments in Canadian Idol history.

Songs that Theresa performed during the season included:
* First audition: "God Bless the Child" (Billie Holiday)
* Toronto auditions: "You've Got a Friend" (James Taylor (groups), "Unforgettable" (Nat King Cole) (duet with Mohanza Kelly), "Try" (Blue Rodeo) (solo)
* Top 32: "Summertime" (Eva Cassidy)
* Top 10: "Good Mother" (Jann Arden)
* Top 9: "There's a Kind of Hush" (Herman's Hermits)
* Top 8: "Piece of My Heart" (Janis Joplin)
* Top 7: "Hello" (Lionel Richie)
* Top 6: "Song For a Winter's Night" (Gordon Lightfoot, as performed by Sarah McLachlan)
* Top 5: "Cruisin" (Smokey Robinson)
* Top 4: "It's Only A Paper Moon" (Ella Fitzgerald), "Dream a Little Dream" (Louis Armstrong)
* Top 3: "What The World Needs Now" (Jackie DeShannon), "Ready For Love" (India.Arie)
* Top 2: "Awake in a Dream", "Come Away With Me" (Norah Jones), "Cruisin" (Smokey Robinson)

Her standout songs on the show were "Song For A Winter's Night", "Good Mother", "Cruisin", "Ready for Love", "Come Away with Me", "Summertime" and "God Bless the Child".

Discography

Albums

* "Four Hours In November EP" (2004)
* "These Old Charms" (2005)
* "Something Is Expected" (2006)
* "Wrapped In Ribbon" (2007)

"In addition to the above mentioned, Sokyrka was featured on Kalan Porter's album "219 Days" (2004)."

Radio Singles

* "Turned My Back" (2005)
* "Waiting Song" (2006)
* "Sandy Eyes" (2007)
* "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (2007)

External links

*
* [http://www.theresa-sokyrka.ca/?go=lrc Theresa Sokyrka Online - Lyrics]