Even hot on the heels of a major TV talent competition, Greater Victoria fans of Chase Varnes can get their fill of the teen talent at his local Sidney Market.
The 13-year-old singer, songwriter vows to continue performances at the event that fills Beacon Avenue each Thursday as often as he can. He made the promise during a live video posted after his appearance on America’s Got Talent.
“You can count on me being there,” he said. “I would love to try to play there as much as I possibly can until I can’t make it. I plan to be there all summer.”
The teen appeared on the American talent show created by Simon Cowell that premiered in 2006, long before Varnes was even born. Acts range from singing and dancing to comedy and other varied skills.
The Victoria teen’s audition episode aired Tuesday (June 17).
“The dream is to play on a world stage and make people happy,” Varnes told judge Howie Mandel before performing the first few bars of an original tune.
“He looks like a pop star, look at him,” the cameras capture judge Cowell muttering to fellow judge Sophia Varga before interrupting the young performer.
“I didn’t love the song, however, I like you,” Cowell said, asking for another tune.
Varnes embarked on Ed Sheeran’s Life Goes On that appeared to hook both the judges and audience.
Moving on in the competition requires three “yes” votes from the judges.
“You’re not quite there yet for me,” said Mel B., the lone holdout.
Cowell considered the singer/songwriter’s youthfulness, but conceded. “You, I actually do believe you have something. I can tell how much you love music … and the audience loved you.”
In his live video, Varnes said he had a great time on “AGT” and promised more lives going forward, building on momentum garnered the night before.
Answering questions, he noted country icon Luke Combs as both an inspiration and dream collaborator.
“I love the way he puts together songs. He’s definitely an inspiration when I write.”
And after being compared to fellow Canadian Justin Beiber on AGT, he suggested that might make another good collab and someone whose brain he’d like to pick, as Bieber broke onto the international stage at a young age.
“Being able to just be with him, hang out with him, talk to him would be so cool because he has a story I could relate to,” Varnes said.
The teen also promised performances at both the Sidney Market, and reminded fans of his Sunfest gig at Youbou’s Laketown Ranch – which took the time to throw the kid a shoutout on social media.
“Who saw Victoria’s youngest rising star, Chase Varnes, on America’s Got Talent last night?!,” Sunfest posted on social media. “He lit up the stage, stole hearts, and now his performance is blowing up online with over 500k views on YouTube & counting!”
After performing at an Abbotsford Canucks game Thursday – Varnes heads for Austin, Texas to meet up with his producer and lawyer to work on some writing and recording.
Learn more about Varnes and get a taste of the music at chasevarnes.com.
