Teen singer Nikki Yanofsky’s “I Believe” (Decca/Universal Music), which is the official Winter Olympics theme used in broadcaster CTV’s coverage, has moved 44-1 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.
“I Believe” topped the iTunes Canadian chart Feb. 10, before the Olympics started. The song continued to hold the top position following the 16-year-old’s smooth, jazzy rendition of “O Canada” during the opening ceremonies Feb. 12.
“I Believe,” with lyrics by Glass Tiger frontman Alan Frew and music by composer Stephan Moccio, was produced by studio veteran Phil Ramone. The massive exposure for “I Believe” has made Yanofsky an instant household name – and, according to Universal Music Canada president Randy Lennox, it’s confirmed her as “a new voice of our nation.”
Universal Music Canada issues Yanofsky’s debut album “Nikki” on April 27. Lennox reckons Yanofsky is “certain to garner international acclaim” with the album, which he says sees her move from jazz to blues, R&B and pop.
Produced by Ramone and Norah Jones collaborator Jesse Harris, Lennox adds that it will include songs co-written by Yanofsky with Harris and Canadian singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith, plus a track by Toronto’s Feist, “Try, Try, Try.”
