Recent Marple Newtown High School Graduate Rebecca Alexander Plans to Rock Delco Idol

Rebecca Alexander just graduated from and oddly isn't missing it. She's on to bigger and better plans already, which includes getting ready for her first year in the city at University of the Arts and returning to the competition. Last year she made it to the second round, but this year she has a few new tricks up her sleeve.

Alexander began studying dance at the age of 3 and just finished up her final recital in June. Around the age of 7, she really began to get interested in singing and has been taking vocal lessons with Heidi Starr ever since. The professional lessons have improved her voice immensely and believes it's almost like a different sound.

After four years of doing productions at Marple Newtown High School, Alexander realized this was what she really wanted to do in life. She has been on stage in the high school's productions of Seussical, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, The Pajama Game, Pride and Prejudice and Stage Door.

At first she struggled in high school to land the lead role or the solo, but it pushed her to work harder and perseverance paid off. By senior year she was one of the strongest voices in the school choir.

Outside of school Alexander has taken acting classes at the Media Theatre, but her talents really blossomed when she began singing at her church.

"My church is where I started and it’s where my heart is and it will always be where I am strongest," she explained. One of her proudest moments as a singer was a solo entitled "Breathe" which she would sing in church. Her performance was so emotional it moved her youth director to tears.

Alexander's love for music crosses many genres such as musical theatre, jazz, and rock. She loves the music of British singer Adele, but also admires Lacey, the lead singer from the Christian rock band Flyleaf. Alexander said it’s not just about the voice, but also the music and the message that can be relayed on stage in which both of these singers evoke a strong message.

Even though she tends to side with jazz, she still has a soft spot for musical theatre. Her dream role would be Roxy Hart from the broadway musical Chicago because "she's quirky, but she has an insane attitude."

The directing bug has recently bitten Alexander. She stepped behind the scenes to student direct Marple Newtown's production of Dracula and also co-directed Seuessical Jr. at the Perelman Jewish Day School.

"It was the best feeling to watch everyone evolve and grow and to watch the whole picture we had come to life," said Alexander. "I absolutely loved it."

While directing is still in her future, it doesn't compare to the feeling of being on stage.

Alexander stands out in the competition. While most contestants are focused on singing show tunes, Alexander will be performing more jazz- or rock-influenced music. She auditioned with the jazz standard, "Blue Skies," and is still deciding upon her first round performance. It is a toss up between the country tune "Love Like Breathing" or the Roberta Flack classic "Killing Me Softly."

Alexander believes each round will be different since each week there is a new panel of judges.

Last year she started strong with a Beatles song, but her second performance wasn't as powerful. This year she is planning a secret weapon for the week she feels she might get the boot. All she would admit about it was that it would be "epic."

"It rocks. It rocks out," she hinted.

In general, she is looking to find stronger songs that will fit her and her vocal range, something that can convey and pull an audience in.

If she were to win, she admitted she would probably get pretty emotional and cry. The prize money would go towards her first year at the University of the Arts where she will be studying vocal performance. Alexander also hopes to stay in school and achieve her Masters degree in musical education.

When she isn't dominating the stage, she also enjoys photography. After starting out on black and white film, a teacher encouraged her to try a course in digital photography and Alexander soon fell in love. One of her goals is to continue photography while studying and the digital form would be easier to fit into her schedule since she won't have to use development labs.

Alexander has a few more musical plans this summer, but she feels there is no place like the stage. In fact, she feels everyone should be able to share that feeling and have confidence in themselves.

"Everyone out there is to watch you no matter who you are, there is something inside of you that is different and it need to shine and it’s going to shine in its own respect," said Alexander. "Everyone deserves to stand on a stage."

For more information on how to vote for Alexander or for your favorite Delco Idol, or how to purchase tickets, visit Media Theatre's website here.