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Jule Nugent on the Rise to Stardom

Aug. 30, 2006 – Everyone aspires to be someone special, especially young people. Ask any elementary school student, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The answers are often the same – a fireman, a lawyer or maybe doctor. But there are also those rare kids that can say with confidence, "I want to be a star" – or more specifically, "I want to be a singer."
That's what Ossie "Jule" Nugent wants.
"I wanted bigger things," he said.
For three years Jule has been singing his heart out to anyone and everyone in hopes of realizing his dream. The wonderful thing about his aspirations is he is so close he can smell it.
One year shy of graduation, Jule left St. Croix and Educational Complex searching for the "better things" he hoped for. He ended up in New York at the South Bronx Job Corps Academy and it is there his life began to change.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time, Jule was approached by a representative from a major record label for an audition.
DefJam Records, headed by infamous rapper Jay-Z, is now calling. Founded by Russell Simmons of Phat Farm Clothing and hit-maker Rick Rubin, DefJam has pumped out great artists like LL Cool J, Ashanti, Rihanna and Kanye West.
Jule survived an audition of more than 300 hopefuls to land in the top 20 for a Sept. 9 showcase. The winner will receive a photo shoot, $1,000 cash and time in a Def Jam recording studio.
Jule is already a winner. The audition and the contest are merely a means to an end and some extra cash, he said. Even if he does not garner the top prize, the 18-year-old Crucian is still on the road to fame. He has already been promised the coveted studio time at DefJam.
Jule is not simply a singer. The young native has a talent for writing music as well as mixing beats on his computer. Modestly, Jule states that he also "plays a little piano." Where did he get it all from? He credits his mom, Corine Nugent, Bob Marley, Usher, and the artist Joe for influencing him.
While on St. Croix, Jule had already tasted stardom. A member of Music in Motion Dance Academy, Jule gained the confidence to start his own dance group, Exquisite, which was a staple at high school talent shows and other talent shows around the territory.
When asked about his aspirations for the future, Jule is reluctant to make any big statements. He simply says that he is "taking everything one step at a time."
"It took praying and strong emotions being broken down," he says about making it this far. "You've got to be faithful, let your pride go to try to fulfill your dream."

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