TORONTO - Canada's latest YouTube star first stumbled into the spotlight at a Toronto singing competition, but organizers of the event were quick to recognize she was exceptional.
Ten-year-old Heather Russell drew international attention this week following reports that she landed a contract with the record label run by former American Idol judge Simon Cowell.
But the buzz surrounding the young songstress began two years ago when Russell auditioned for the Amateur Singing Contest with John Santos, the event's founder said.
"I got shivers," John Santos said Saturday. "I thought, 'We've got to do something with this kid."'
"She's got a huge voice," he said. "When I first heard her, jokingly I was looking behind her to see if there was a sound system."
Though Russell was too young to enter the competition, she came back every week to rehearse, he said.
Last year, she stole the show in a guest performance at the contest's finals, even though she couldn't compete, he added.
Russell's parents, James Russell and Monica Cidade, were reluctant to thrust their daughter into the spotlight, Santos said.
Both are accomplished musicians. James Russell played in Acosta Russell, an early-1990s pop band, and Cidade has recorded over 50 songs in pop, rock and jazz.
"I pushed them to go all the way," Santos said. "I knew there was something special with her."
Zack Werner, a former "Canadian Idol" judge, served as Russell's manager for five months and reportedly put her in touch with Cowell.
Details of the contract with Cowell's Syco Music, a subsidiary of Sony Music, have not been disclosed.
Fran DeFeo, a spokeswoman for Sony, said Russell and her family aren't giving interviews at this time.
Russell is the first star discovered at the contest, Santos said, adding he hopes she won't be the last.
Despite her sudden rise to fame, Russell remains "very humble," Santos said.
"She's one of the nicest kids I've ever met."
