Age: 21
Occupation: Student/Waitress
Hometown: Mission, BC
Audition City: Vancouver, BC
Place of Birth: Mission, BC
Nickname: Rae-J or Car
Favourite Song: "Into the Mystic" and "Ain't No Sunshine" by Van Morrison
Couldn't Live Without: "Bamboo coffee substitute"
Would Like to Meet: Bob Dylan
Motto: "Live for the moment."
"This competition has given me hope and confidence. I also think it has opened me up to the real me -- flaws and all!"
When Carly found out she had made it into the Top 22, she admits that she "bawled like a big baby," she says. "I couldn't help it. I was so shocked and so happy!" She feels that learning from her mistakes and pushing her limits has helped get her this far in the competition.
Raised by her mom and step-dad and dad and step-mom, Carly cites all of her parents as her inspiration. "They're just amazing people and are my biggest supporters along with my brother and sister."
With Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and David Grey at the top of her list of favourite artists, Carly would love to have a career like James Taylor. "He has this lasting career and followers of all ages," she says. "If you've been to one of his shows you can see that people really love his music and respect him. I couldn't ask for more than that."
Carly describes herself as "a gypsy at heart" and "loves days that end up like adventures." She also enjoys chocolate fondue and likes to cook -- although she confesses that she makes a mess and more often than not what she's making comes out a disaster.
People might be surprised to learn that Carly was born to be a world famous golfer. "On the day I was born, my grandfather had a dream I would win some sort of golfing championship. He has bought me golf gear every birthday since. Sorry to disappoint gramps...but I like to sing!"
Carly is most proud of her hometown because of the people. "Everyone from Mission seems to have a huge appreciation for music," she says. "It's a small city but within it is a beautiful theatre and one of the best summer music fests out there. I love that I was born here."




