From Stratford to Idol

Aaron Walpole: Small Town Boy Making it Big

 

 With another season of American Idol about to begin, I thought I’d check in with my favourite Canadian Idol, Aaron Walpole.

 

He really is “just a small town boy”, but he’s torn up stages  from Charlottetown to Vancouver, winning critical praise and audiences hearts along the way.

 

So I had to ask: as a small town boy with a love of theatre, did you catch a lot of flack?

“For a short period of time I did,” said Aaron. “Until I kicked the crap out of all those on the football team who attempted to make fun of me. I could sing, dance and act as well as block and tackle harder than anyone else.”

 

That determination, and talent, took him to the illustrious Stratford Festival, before making it to the Top 3 on Canadian Idol. And speaking of Idol, American Idol’s back with new judges and new rules, including the use of original material.  I asked him what he thought about these changes:

 

 “I think it’s time for the show to revamp itself as the old format was just that…old. I would warn against contestants using original material unless it is really, really good and I’m sure vocal coach Debra Byrd will advise them well in their song choices.”

 

Is there any inside scoopage you could give us about the Idol process?

“Everyone you see, from the crazies to the talents, are hand-picked by the producers.”

 

Was Idol worth it?

“Absolutely. I’ve experienced many things I wouldn’t have had I not taken part in Idol.”

 

Including a show stealing turn as Lenny, the loveable narrator, in the Canadian Premier of the mega hit Rock of Ages.

 

Do you have a best Rock of Ages memory?

“Experiencing a standing ovation at the end of every show.”

 

How about a best fan moment?

“Meeting the love of my life, after she recognized me from watching the show early that evening, on the corner of King St. and John St.”

 

(cue sighing romantics here…)

 

And now, he’s headed back to Stratford.  He came out a chorus boy, but he’s going back a star.

 

When I ask if, looking back, there was anything he’d do differently, he thoughtfully responds: “Many things.  But the mistakes in life are what make you wiser.”

 

And when I ask him if he’s got any advice for a small town kid with a voice and a dream, he cheekily replies: “Get a real job.”

 

Aaron will be appearing in Camelot and Jesus Christ Superstar from April 16 to October 30-2011 at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario.

 

You can follow him on Twitter @AaronWalpole.

 

American Idol begins this Wednesday at 8pm on Fox and CTV.