TORONTO - She's been hailed as one of Canada's next musical megastars and a songstress with the vocal chops to change the musical landscape, and she's not even out of grade school.
Reports that 10-year-old Heather Russell has landed a contract with the record label run by former American Idol judge Simon Cowell have prompted considerable online buzz for the Toronto native, including plaudits from a grammy-winning producer and a Twitter mention from an a-list movie star.
Media reports say the Toronto native signed a deal with Cowell's Syco Music -- a subsidiary of Sony Music-- several months ago after a personal meeting with the British talent scout. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and neither Syco nor members of Russell's family were available for comment on Friday.
Long before her contract was signed, however, Russell was starting to make waves. Her soulful delivery on both covers and self-penned songs earned her the notice of Canadian industry players, as well as an online following.
Former Canadian Idol judge Zack Werner, who served as Russell's manager for about five months, recalled comparing her to a Rhythm and Blues legend upon hearing her sing for the first time a year ago.
"She was one of a kind, probably in the world," Werner said in a telephone interview.
"This is not (Justin) Bieber . . . a generic pop kid with some charm and moderate talent who is marketed tremendously well. This is a kid who sings in what I would call a savant way. She possesses remarkable old soul in her tone, in her ability to phrase things, in her ability to riff with the best. She sings like a nine-year-old version of Aretha Franklin."
Werner also praised Russell's song-writing abilities, which he described as remarkably sophisticated for one of her tender age.
It was a self-penned guitar ballad, "Every Step of the Way," that launched Russell's fan base on the video sharing site YouTube. The video had been viewed more than 360,000 times as of Friday afternoon, with many commenters weighing in to praise her vocal stylings.
The video has been promoted by Rob Fusari, a New Jersey-based producer who has worked with the likes of Beyonce and Lady Gaga.
Fusari's website contains a brief profile on Russell, who is featured as an "emerging artist." The profile lists Prince, Justin Timberlake, Queen and Alicia keys as her musical influence, while naming her parents and younger brother as her heroes.
Russell has also caught the eye of movie star Ashton Kutcher, who reportedly tweeted about her in a message to wife Demi Moore.
So far, Werner said, Russell is unspoiled by her burgeoning celebrity.
"She has the ability to, for a moment, put on the precociousness of being an grownup. Two moments later, she is just so genuinely herself and such a wonderful child. I have nothing but respect for her."
Some of Russell's YouTube followers expressed concern for her well-being, voicing doubts about the effect stardom could have on such a young performer.
"Do you think it would be easy to go through puberty with the whole world watching you? It's not normal and it's not healthy," one poster wrote.
From those in the industry, however, Russell has widespread support.
Werner, who parted company from Russell's family last summer, said she has the talent to become the next Canadian superstar.
"If I was a betting man and anybody had the potential to be a truly influential female artist, or artist at all, . . . I'd bet on Heather."
She is not the only Canadian child talent who has recently caught the attention of some of the movers and shakers in the music world.
This week Lady Gaga endorsed a YouTube video of a young Canadian girl singing the star's hit "Born This Way."
The girl has posted previous videos where she identifies herself as Maria Aragon, 10, from Winnipeg.
