Sudbury singer scores spot on TFO's Jam

Stephanie Aubertin was simply looking for new French music to sing when she stumbled across an ad for Jam.

The TFO TV show led by Montreal-based personality Patrick Groulx was looking for seven Franco-Ontarian artists looking to break into the industry. Interested in what she saw, the 19-year-old Laurentian University student submitted an application.

“I decided to send a video to see what happened,” she said.

A short time later, Aubertin received a phone call from the producers of the show — she was selected as one of the young artists make an appearance.

Since she was nine years old, Aubertin has been honing her skills as a vocalist. Now a Sudbury resident, she grew up in Sturgeon Falls, where she learned to enjoy being on a mic. A shot at working in the industry comes as a pleasant opportunity for her.

“It's so hard to make it in the business,” she said.

Having a spot to herself on the 10-episode show is certain to have a positive impact on her budding music life.

“I really loved the way it was made,” she said. Unlike other music shows on TV, Jam wasn't staged as a competition; Instead, it was an opportunity for each of the musicians to push themselves in a supportive environment.

“What I liked about this show is it wasn't a competition,” Aubertin said. “There wasn't any tension between the seven of us.”

After all, they all share a common goal.

“They want to promote French music in Ontario,” Aubertin said.

To see the hometown girl in action, tune in to TFO beginning Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.