The jump from ABBA to INXS is only 61 letters, or 11 weeks on reality TV.

INXS decided earlier this year to find a new lead singer through the reality television craze. Thousands auditioned, Toronto’s Suzie McNeil made the cut, and by the end of the series she was an international sensation. Suzie may not have won the show, but she has won the approval of millions of viewers along with the attention of a few select record labels.

Talking over her cell phone in LA where she recently celebrated her 29th birthday, Suzie says, “My life has changed considerably since the finale. Physically and emotionally, I’m not the same person. It has expanded my world and given me a newfound sense of kicking butt.”

Though she was in the ‘bottom three’ a number of times, Suzie persevered and made it to the final four as the last woman standing.

“I was really proud to be the last female,” says Suzie in the raspy tone that has become her trademark. “We all go through life being insecure, but this show taught me not to second-guess myself. It feels amazing.”

INXS said repeatedly that Suzie had the best voice on the show, but as the series went on it appeared the public preferred a male for the new band spot. Suzie is not complaining however, she happily refers to her long-standing on the show as “the icing on the cake.”

The incredible exposure of Rockstar INXS has blown open the doors of opportunity for Suzie. Experiencing the “showbiz lifestyle,” she darts between Toronto and LA for meetings and performances as she shapes what promises to be a successful career in music.

Driving in a rental car on her way to a meeting, Suzie juggles the interview with finding a parking spot. “Oh shit!” she says, “Sorry, I just missed my turn.” Funny, personable, and articulate, Suzie has remained down-to-earth in light of her recent time in the spotlight.

“I don’t want to jinx it!” she says of her success. “The music industry is very fickle, it’s in a bad place… I don’t want to say what I’ve got in the works right now, just in case it doesn’t happen. I will say though that really really great things are happening right now.”

Suzie says along with recording some back-up vocals on the new INXS album, she plans to release her own record. “That’s not a big deal though,” she says modestly, “Anyone can do that with some recording equipment and a basement.”

Before making her international debut on Rockstar INXS, Suzie performed for three years as the lead in the tribute musical ABBA-Mania. When she left to do the show, Toronto singer Andrea Pressburger was rushed in as her replacement. While Suzie was gaining exposure on television, Andrea was developing her pop music chops on stage.

“It was a little intimidating at first,” said Andrea about her new role in the musical. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I have huge shoes to fill.’ Suzie had the most songs and audience interaction. I basically practiced ABBA in my living room for two weeks then was thrown into the fire.”

Andrea is where Suzie was a few months ago, trying to make it as a young singer in Toronto. Between musical theatre, acting, performing on a cruise ship, and making television appearances, Andrea has dabbled in many areas of the entertainment lifestyle.

“Bottom line, I want to perform,” said a confident Andrea. “I love to sing, I love to act. I’m basically going wherever the wind takes me. It’s limitless at this point.”

Andrea quickly adjusted to her new role as Agnetha in ABBA-Mania. “I’m really enjoying what it’s doing for me,” she says. “I’m embracing it.”

Making ends meet as a professional musician in Canada can be difficult, and before her role in the musical, Andrea waitressed on the side in order to pay the bills. “ABBA is great,” she says, “It’s rare that you get a contract that’s so steady and long.”

With her career on an upswing, Andrea says she does not see herself turning to reality television in order to gain exposure. “Not unless it’s Amazing Race!” she laughs.

In Suzie’s case however, reality TV worked like a charm. Initially having deemed it a “cheesy show,” Suzie says Rockstar INXS is quite possibly the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Sharing her amazing vocal talent and embracing musical opportunities in Canada and the US, Suzie McNeil is finally making her dreams come true.

“I always just wanted to do some kind of music,” says Suzie.

“You get bit with the bug and that’s it,” she continues. “It’s better than sex, and better than chocolate…and that’s pretty good.”

To get the latest updates on Suzie’s success, visit her website, www.suziemcneil.com.