Chantal Kreviazuk: 20 Questions

Chantal Kreviazuk has worked long and hard for her overnight success.

The Winnipeg singer did time in piano bars for years before bending the ears of Sony Music Canada. Her debut album, Under These Rocks and Stones, yielded several haunting hits, as did the follow-up, Colour Moving and Still. While we're still wondering about the titles - how can something be moving and still at the same time? If you have rocks, why do you need stones? - there is no denying her captivating music, which fans will get to hear during her concert Wednesday at the Winspear Centre.

You may know Chantal from her version of John Denver's Leaving On a Jet Plane, but if you don't, imagine Alanis Morissette plus Sarah McLachlan multiplied by Jann Arden (except without the between-song comedy). She's also travelled to war-torn countries raising awareness for the charity group War Child. While in Iraq recently, Kreviazuk got an offer to talk to dictator/romance novelist Saddam Hussein - but told him to get lost. Aye Carumba! Don't mess with this woman.

Indeed, Kreviazuk is pretty intense. Then again, this is an intense world.

Here's a look at what makes her tick:

1. What was the last movie that you saw and loved?
Memento.

2. What was the first album you owned?
Payolas.

3. What was the last book you read?
A book on the history of African slavery.

4. What's your favourite hangout?
The lake.

5. Do you have a pet peeve?
Body odour.

6. What's your idea of the perfect Sunday?
Being at the lake, swim, hang out with my dog, go canoeing.

7. What's your favourite food?
Sushi.

8. What was the worst job you ever had?
Retail, at Below the Belt.

9. What gadget or gizmo can you not live without?
My Motorola Timeport e-mail pager.

10. Do you have a hobby or habit that you think would surprise people?
I like to surf the Net for art.

11. What's your favourite piece of clothing?
I have this old sweater from when I met my husband six years ago. I love it. It's like home.

12. What would you change about yourself if you could?
My desire to change anything about myself.

13. Whom do you most admire?
My mother.

14. What is your greatest extravagance?
I buy too many pyjamas.

15. Have you ever been mistaken for another celebrity?
Yes. Any famous woman with brown hair - everyone from Penelope Cruz to Courteney Cox.

16. Do you have a favourite quotation?
"Nothing's perfect." That's from The Little Prince.

17. What is your greatest weakness?
Not embracing my strengths.

18. If you could be reincarnated, who or what would you like to be?
An eagle. I'd love to fly.

19. If you had to go back in time to live in another decade, which one would you choose?
The '60s. Everyone was equal for a moment.

20. What is the best Father's Day gift you can get for your dad?
Spending time together.

By: Author Unknown