Martha Joy credits her success to sheer dedication

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Day by day is how 16-year-old Scarborough resident Martha Joy is treating her journey as Canadian Idol hopeful.

"When I auditioned, I never thought I'd make it this far," said the teen, who attends North York's Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts.

A life-long east-ender, Joy is one of 10 remaining contestants in the national singing competition.

"It's really, really surreal. My family is kind of going crazy," she said, adding the support of friends, family members and fans has been tremendous.

"My goal is to make my fans and supporters proud."

Joy, whose father is Portuguese and whose mother is Filipina, said she's also a proud cultural representative, especially as the only Filipino-Canadian contestant.

"I definitely feel so honoured. Especially the Filipinos recognize me now walking down the street," she said.

Singing and taking vocal lessons since the age of seven, Joy said Canadian Idol is a great opportunity.

"It's something I've been dreaming of my whole life. It's great exposure and you learn so much," said Joy, adding the contest's Top 100 round back in May was especially challenging.

With daily rehearsals, Joy said Canadian Idol has helped test her limits and explore her strengths.

"I think it just takes a lot of dedication to get here. You just have to love music. It's honestly the biggest thing in my life," she said, adding she's met a lot of talented people along the way, but in the end it's dedication that really makes all the difference.

And even if she doesn't win Canadian Idol, Joy said she feels a successful career in music is still possible.

She's already preformed on the Mike Bullard Show and at the Global Peace Initiative Women and Business Leaders at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Four years ago she earned top honours at the Best New Talent competition in Los Angeles. She also sang the national anthem at a Toronto Raptors game.

On Tuesday, July 17, Joy performed on Canadian Idol as one of the Top 10 singers. The July 18 episode will see one of those singers eliminated from the competition.