There are some unspoken rules in the music world. The Rules say performers are supposed to be heard and seen - and that means an entertainer has to look good, according to whatever standard the media chooses to impose on the masses. The Rules say real-size girls make great background vocalists, but shouldn't take center stage. The Rules insist the package is more important than the gift.
Critically acclaimed CCM artist Katie Giguere once believed that the rules would keep her out of the game. Born into an entertainment-industry family (Katie's father was a producer for Z Music Television and CMT), Katie was never far from the limelight, yet never in it. Self-conscious because she didn't fit the mold of the MTV female superstar, Katie spent hours singing in her room, but never for an audience…until she met Bonita Mitchell.
"Bonita heard me sing," Katie confides, "and she believed in me. She loved my voice, but more than that - she loved my spirit. That made all the difference."
Mitchell wasted no time hustling Katie onto a plane to LA. She immediately booked Katie into a studio to cut an amazing vocal demo - a demo that soon found its way into the hands of legendary superstar, Stevie Wonder.
The perennially shy Katie was stunned when Wonder told her, "With a voice like that, there is no need for you to be shy."
Buoyed by Stevie Wonder's encouragement, Katie hit the road for a series of benefit concerts. Working with the likes of Gospel music great CeCe Winans and Hollywood stars Tia and Tamara Mowry, Katie honed her performance skills before enthusiastic audiences across the country. She signed on as the featured soloist for Bonita Mitchell's Thread of Hope, a program that encouraged high schoolers with its much needed message of self esteem. It was a message that Katie readily relates to.
"We take so many of our cues from the media," Katie sighs. "Most of the successful women that you see on TV are flawless. They are thin, and they have perfect hair and great skin. You don't see women who look real. Some girls are naturally a size zero, and that's great. But a lot of us are naturally real sized. God doesn't care what we look like. He loves us, and if He sees us as beautiful it is because our heart is right."
Katie released her highly praised debut CD "Brinin' Me Hope" in 2004 praying that God would bless her ministry because, though terrified, she was stepping out in faith and acting in His will. She could not have imagined how dramatically God would change her life from that point forward.
Now a critically acclaimed, chart-topping vocalist, author of a book, "Being the Fat Girl", a newly signed EMI songwriter, and recently married to her best friend, Scott Cloyd, Katie Giguere does not have to wonder whether God meant for her to embark on this career. She is also quick to give God all the credit, all the glory for the things He has done in her life.
"I always say to people at the end of a concert, that my point is not to tell you all the wonderful things happening in my life, so you can applaud my success. My point is that all if this, all of our lives, are in the hands of our Creator. I know that if you trust God, be obedient and walk in your true calling, no matter how unprepared you feel you may be, He will be there with you, and you can make an impact for His Kingdom. I am living proof of that."
Katie's sophomore CD, "I Lift Up My Eyes" hits stores in October 2007. A few highlights include the title track co-written with Kevin Stokes, the top 25 self-penned hit "Just By Your Mercy", the worshipful power ballad, "The Lion" featuring the Born Again Choir, a duet with Katie's mom, Jeanne of the classic "Wonderful, Merciful, Savior" and a cover of Martina McBride's "Anyway" which was her highest chart-climber to date!
Katie... I know that if God was to have a frig in Heaven He is for sure to have your picture on it... Keep up the good work... we love having you "play" in our shop...
My days are filled with laughter. My heart has known Your Peace. I've traveled far, still very far to go, Cause in my heart there is a longing to look upon your face. Where you are, is where I want to be.
You are my King. You are the lamb. Lion of Judah, Seed of Abraham, the Holy One, God's Only Son. You are the King of who I am.
Every road I traveled down, You have walked before me, Made the Light to shine out in the darkness. I am looking for the Day when I Bow before you, lay my crown at your feet. Oh Jesus, you are my King. You are the Lamb. You are the Lion of Judah, Seed of Abraham, The Holy One, Gods first born [Only] Son. You are the King of who I am.
Hey Katie! We just wanted to let you know that We posted a new song called "Job" on our sight. "Job" is a song about hardships that we go through in life, and no matter how bad of a situation that we get into there is hope in Jesus. Check it out. We want to bless God, you, and others with our ministery like you have done. Thanks!!
I know that you are full of Faith but I saw this and thought of you:
Spread your wings of faith and fly Don't let opportunities past you by Rise above your impossibilities Soar over your adversities Don't let doubt scheme It destroys your hope and dreams Doubt is your worst enemy It brings fear and agony Doubt closes but faith opens the door So fly on the wings of faith and explore You can't see the wind but it blows That's the way faith flows Without faith you can not please God So fly on the wings of faith and rise above the odds
Hi Katie! I know you live far, far away from us but wanted to invite you to our CD Release Party on Sat. May 10th at Greenville Baptist Church in Rochdale Mass....you never know, you could be passing through Massachusetts then! Hope all is great.... blessings, Vicki
Hoping that you enjoy your 1st Easter as a married woman. And maybe this time next year you will be blessed with a little Easter egg hunter..LOL....May God keep blessing you now and always...Michelle
