As Martha Joy's first cousin, it has been an exciting journey to have been actively involved in the development of her career since she was 12 years old. At times very stressful, with balancing a career (not in music) and a family with my wife and 2 kids.
When my aunt, (Martha's mother) and I discussed the possibility of taking a run at Canadian Idol, I said "why not?" We said, "the world needs to hear Martha and Martha needs to share her gift with the world." I can tell you that it was never that upbeat in the last 5 years. There were many highs and lows, just as Martha can sing those extremes, so were so many events that took place in the 5 years, would be very similar. Anyone who knows the Lim family, will tell you that we are a tight knit group but we're not perfect nor do we portray ourselves to be. We are a giving and warm hearted family and despite any disagreements we may have, the unconditional love is always there. Our family has many talented and gifted people ranging from song writing, guitarists, actor, dancers, poets, singers, business etc. But there is nothing more powerful than to hear Martha sing. Canadian Idol has not been an easy adjustment for our family especially for our Martha Joy to be singing in front of millions of viewers every week at the young age of 16. The instant fame does not come without harsh criticism and blatant degrading commentary on the internet and this has been very taxing for all. The Lim family is strong and has become stronger because of this.
Everyday, for the last 5 years we have always believed that Martha should share her gift with the world and we were in search for the right platform to do it. If you asked me 5 years ago, if I thought Canadian Idol would be such platform, I would have laughed.
Our family is in the enviable position of a star in the making- helping our Martha realize her dream. We know that the Top 10 will be a whole new ball game for Martha and definitely a whole new experience for our family, but this is where Martha will shine the best. Canadians will fall deeper in love with her gift, her charisma and her passion for singing.
To echo Jake Gold's comment on his blog on Canadian Idol: "Martha Joy we all know is one of the greatest singers we've ever had. At 16, it's just crazy. " (http://jakegold.idolblogs.ca/default.asp?item=648928)
Martha will be the next 2007 Canadian Idol, not because she has the support of the Filipino and Portugese community, nor the support of Torontonians. Martha will be the next Canadian Idol because gifts like our Martha don't come around very often.
Martha will capture the hearts of all around the world and Canadian Idol is our first stop on this journey.
You ain't seen nothing yet!
The weather wasn't exactly cooperating with our annual picnic but it didn't matter. Canopies were set up to shelter all from the drizzle. As always, there is plenty of food and desserts a common tradition in the Filipino culture. It was great to see the family and extended family. Martha did not get a chance to join us at the park but it worked out anyway as we decided that it was time to change venue and go for real shelter. Most of the family headed back to our aunt's banquet hall where there is always a spare party room for the Lim's. Martha was pleasantly surprised to walk in to see the various signs my cousin Lea had made up. There was some really catchy signs, and look for me to be holding them up in performances to come. Martha had a chance to share a little about the much talked about move to the "mansion" in Toronto, sounds very exciting.
