'Idol' experience opened doors for Christian singer

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By JOEL GEHRINGER/Lincoln Journal Star

 Unlike most "American Idol" contestants, Suzy Vulaca didn't sell out to the first label offering her a record deal. Or the second. "Actually, I turned down a lot of offers," she said.

Vulaca, who nearly made the final rounds on the third season of "Idol," even turned down an offer to record "Milkshake," the song that brought unknown singer Kelis overnight fame.

But Vulaca wasn't thirsty for "Milkshake" or any other get-rich-quick deal after her reality television run.

She had work to do with her original group — the one that helped her succeed on "Idol" in the first place.

Before singing her first note on national television, Vulaca honed her musical skills with the Masters Commission USA, a Christian ministry based out of Phoenix, and Frontline, the ministry's traveling worship team.

After completing a two-year training program with the commission, Vulaca joined Frontline and is now serving her fifth year with the group.

Frontline will take a detour from its national tour Tuesday for a concert at Seacrest Field, 7400 A St.

While the the team consists of 14 people, it owes much of its notoriety to Vulaca, who brought Frontline to national prominence with her run on "American Idol."

Born in Fiji, Vulaca moved to Phoenix with her parents in 1997. She said she joined the Masters Commission in 2000 to search for fulfillment.

"I went to college for about a year, but I felt like that wasn't what I was called to, so I decided to join Master's," she said. "It's not just for people who want to be in the ministry. It gives you a lot of character and leadership training."

And, apparently, musical training.

"I honestly think if I didn't go to Master's, I wouldn't have gotten through on ‘American Idol' as well as I did," she said.

In 2003, Vulaca beat 99 other competitors in "Arizona Idol," a statewide contest to award one singer from the state a free ticket to the "American Idol" audition in New York.

Vulaca impressed the judges and was selected for the show. But she was voted off before returning as a wild card contestant and being voted off again.

Vulaca didn't seem disappointed by her rollercoaster "Idol" experience.

"It opened up a lot of doors for (Frontline)," she said. "Sometimes you don't understand why things go the way they do, but then you find out everything's for a reason."

Now back with her original singing troupe, Vulaca  spends more time talking to young adults than record execs. Frontline members take time from their concert tour to conduct seminars and volunteer with troubled youths in poor neighborhoods.

"I want to be an artist who makes a difference, not just in the Christian industry but in the world," she said. "I love working with people. That's my heart."

Reach Joel Gehringer at 473-7254 or jgehringer@journalstar.com.