Nikki Giblin Is The One

Most young singers spend a goodly amount of time singing to a mirror.

“The One” champion Nicolette Giblin simply looked across at her twin sister Lea who was singing right back.

Last week when a judge at the Bourbon Street talent competition inquired about the incredible likeness between the singer and the front-row fan, Nikki quickly remarked:

“That’s my twin Lea and she’s a better singer than I am. And she’s a Chicago firefighter.”

At age three the two projected their obsession with “The Little Mermaid” by singing together from their car seats.

“We were so shy we would sing at family parties with our back turned to everyone,” said Nikki, who is not a trained singer. “Eventually we got over that.”

Countless times the two have been asked to sing “Danny Boy” or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as a “tribute to people inside and outside our family because it means so much to people grieving.”

Last week marked the first time singing the Judy Garland classic song of hope without her twin.

“I was confident going into that song because I know I can touch people on a personal level with it,” said Nikki. “The song provides a level of comfort.”

While Lea joined her other sister Jennifer at the Chicago Fire Department, Nikki remained close to her love of singing in the Chicago Public Schools. After school she created a singing club for at-risk students in the Chicago Youth Centers. She also worked in After School Matters, taught for John Devens at World Folk in Beverly and has performed for Special Olympics Illinois crowds at Navy Pier.

Friday night Nikki distinguish herself from four other singers for the judges and voting public in attendance to claim to the $10,000 prize by only nine votes over the second place finisher.

“There has been so much talent on the stage these several weeks I can’t believe it,” said Nikki, who has been approached after performances at 115 Bourbon Street by friends and strangers alike overcome with emotion.

“Even if I didn't win, knowing I touched people on a personal level is very gratifying,” she said. “When I provide some level of comfort, it’s a lot like what I do as a social worker. It’s all coming together now.”