As Canada’s Got Talent returns for its highly anticipated fourth season, one Vancouver-based contestant is ready to make waves. Singer Carsim Birmingham is stepping onto the national stage, showcasing his powerhouse vocals in front of judges like Shania Twain. With a life-changing $1 million prize on the line, the competition has never been tougher—but Carsim is ready to rise to the challenge.
In this exclusive Q&A, Carsim shares what it’s like to audition for Canada’s Got Talent, the impact of performing on such a massive platform, and his dreams beyond the show. —Noa Nichol
What inspired you to audition for Canada’s Got Talent? Was this always a dream of yours, or did something specific push you to take the leap?
I was inspired to audition for Canada’s Got talent because it had always been a dream of mine ever since I was 13 to share my talent with the world on one of the biggest stages. I wanted to also share my life’s story with viewers because I think its so special being a young boy from a small island with huge dreams and wanting to achieve it with the support of a beautiful mom by my side. There was no real specific thing pushing me, but rather a combination of life experiences and a deep passion of storytelling through music.
How did it feel to step onto that national stage for the first time? What was running through your mind before you started singing?
Stepping out on that stage felt scary and beautiful. Like a weird dream! Leading up to the audition I was so ecstatic, feelings of “I’m going to kill it” ran through my veins. As the time grew closer it felt like my emotions were crashing down on me, realizing how huge what I was going to do meant. Right before singing, I remember telling myself what my mum encouraged me to do “have fun and be myself”.
The judges’ panel this season includes the legendary Shania Twain. What was it like performing in front of such high-profile industry icons? Did you receive any memorable feedback?
Back in the Caribbean we love Shania Twain, if you’re at a wedding or it’s clean up Sunday her music would be around you. It felt like an incredible need to impress her because of her formidable career as an artist in the music industry. During my audition the feedback was across the board incredible but the comments of Kardinal Offishall stood out to me having said that “he had been waiting for a performance like mine, and it wasn’t just good… but it was incredible!”
What does the opportunity to compete for the $1 million grand prize mean to you? If you were to win, how would it impact your life and career?
I think the opportunity that I had just to be on that stage in front of those judges is a tremendous win- a small-town boy with a big dream made it to the grand stage of CGT. If I were to win that million-dollar grand prize, it would not only be a celebration for me knowing that I had achieved something I cried about and prayed for, but it would also be a celebration for my family and a love letter to my mother. If I were to win, my life would simply cease being the same. I would have the ability to financially support myself and give back to my family for all the love they poured into me and to have a great networking foundation in the music industry.
How would you describe your musical style, and what influences have shaped you as an artist? Do you have any go-to songs that truly represent who you are?
I would describe my musical style as sultry with elements of soul and gospel. I think I have had influences from artists like Luther Vandross and Whitney who put their heart and their soul into their craft. Though the era of music has evolved- what always sticks is great raw talent!
The show is known for its emotional and inspiring moments. Were there any standout performances from your fellow contestants that really moved you?
I think the group of talent on this year’s season truly highlights diversity in the music industry. I think all our stories are captivating and relatable to anyone who will look at the show. I can’t give away too much, but I am sure it’s performances you can’t miss.
What was the biggest challenge of preparing for your Canada’s Got Talent performance? How did you push past any nerves or obstacles?
I think the biggest challenge of preparing for this show was honestly not having my mum by my side to view all my performances. With every performance I did I made sure that it was done in a way where I was singing directly to her. I think a second obstacle is song choice. I found it difficulty trying to find songs that were show stopping and at the same time demonstrative of my personality. I don’t think there are any definite ways that I push past my nerves—they sort ff melt away when I lock in on the emotion of the song.
Beyond the competition, what are your biggest goals as a singer? How do you hope this experience will open doors for you?
I think beside this show my biggest goal as a singer is to be a household name within the music industry and having listeners truly appreciate and listen to music I will later put out. I would also see myself on Broadway because I love theatre and acting. I hope this experience opens a gateway to allowing me wishes to happen and to be given a record deal from a label.
For aspiring singers watching at home, what advice would you give to someone dreaming of performing on a national stage?
I would advise anyone watching who’s wanting to participate on Canada’s Got talent to Just do it! If you have a dream and it keeps you up at night, work on it, figure out your sound, ensure that you’re in the right space to do it and when you have those things in the bag, just do it! The dreams we have are fueled by passion, but it would be futile without action so just do it!
Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from your journey this season? Any surprises or special moments we should watch out for?
I think fans can expect to see my heart on my sleeve and very emotional performances. I have gone into this show giving all of me and I hope that it resonates with the viewers. I can’t really give any spoilers, but I can promise you, you’d better tune in to view my audition on Citytv or Citytv+ at 8pm EST!
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