Host Lindsay Ell congratulates Rebecca Strong on the finale of Canada's Got Talent. (Canada's Got Talent/YouTube)

By Derek Craddock

ROLE MODEL

‘I just can’t believe it’: Rebecca Strong overwhelmed with joy after winning Canada’s Got Talent

May 15, 2024 | 1:06 PM

In the final moments before her name was called, Prince Albert’s Rebecca Strong held her breath and crossed her fingers, with millions of Canadians watching.

In a split second, her life changed as she was named the winner of Canada’s Got Talent 2024 on Tuesday night.

When host Lindsay Ell read Rebecca’s name out loud, the local singer said she was in shock, realizing that a dream she’s had since she was a little girl became a reality.

“I’m just so proud of myself, of how much I’ve worked for this. I’ve sung in my room for hours, countless nights and I’ve done it,” Strong said in an interview with paNOW after the big moment.

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When recalling the final seconds on stage before the winner was announced, Strong said she could only cross her fingers and wait patiently for the winning moment.

“It was the longest hold of my life.”

Strong won the competition ahead of Nanaimo dance duo Funkanometry and singer Eshan Sobti from Mission, B.C. She becomes the first winner from Saskatchewan in the show’s history.

Along with the title of Canada’s Got Talent Champion, Strong also won $1 million, the largest cash prize in Canadian television history. She also won $25,000 from CIBC for receiving the Golden Buzzer from Judge Lily Singh.

After her final performance on Tuesday night, all four judges gave Strong a standing ovation with Singh and fellow judge Kardinal Offishal declaring she had done enough to win it all.

Strong chose Rollin’ in the Deep by Adele for her final song of the series. She said Adele is a huge inspiration for her, and wanted to take on a powerful song with her powerful voice.

“The two just went together and Rollin’ In The Deep was such an iconic song and I want to be an iconic singer,” she said.

Her family members were in the audience for the finale and have journeyed with Strong since her first audition. They were seen shedding tears of joy, hugging and celebrating as their loved one was showered in confetti after the winning announcement.

Strong said winning Canada’s Got Talent was made even more special, having come from a supportive, musical family.

“They’re all very proud of me and I know that I’m going to bring them along with me throughout this whole entire journey and hopefully (they) get to sing with me, because they also sing,” she said. “It’s just amazing and they’re so supportive.”

Now that she’s won the top prize, Strong said her focus turns to making more music and getting her name out into the world.

Strong, a member of Black Lake Denesuline First Nation in northern Saskatchewan, told paNOW earlier in the week that she hoped her showing on Canada’s Got Talent would inspire other Indigenous singers to chase their dreams.

Now that she’s won, she said the door is wide open.

“They know that it’s possible that I am living proof that it is possible that you can do anything,” said Strong. “I just can’t believe that I am the role model for them, and I just hope that I can continue being that role model.”

On the day of the finale, students at Father Porte Memorial Denesuline School in Black Lake showed their support and well wishes to Strong.

Even the earrings she wore for the big night paid homage to her First Nations culture. Indigenous artist Misty Rain Naytowhow designed Strong’s beaded earrings.

Her win captivated thousands in Prince Albert and across Saskatchewan with congratulations offered by First Nations leaders and political dignitaries.

Fellow Indigenous singer Teagan Littlechief gave her congratulations as well on Facebook.

“I knew from the beginning you would be the 1!!! So proud of you…watch out world there is a Strong indigenous woman out there.”

Facebook, Instagram, and X were buzzing on Tuesday as residents of Prince Albert, Black Lake, and beyond shared their moments of catching the historic win in real time.

Some restaurants in Prince Albert even turned the channels from the NHL playoffs to Rebecca Strong’s performance and win.

Strong said the support of friends, family, and fans across Saskatchewan and Canada has meant the world to her.

“I just want to say thank you guys so much for voting for me and all of your support. I can feel it and I felt it throughout these past couple of months. I just can’t believe it and thank you Canada’s Got Talent and Rogers as well.”

Currently, there’s no word on if a fifth season of Canada’s Got Talent is coming.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com