Marc Martel is a Canadian musician best known for his work as the lead vocalist for the Christian rock band Downhere. Born and raised in Quebec, Martel began his musical career at a young age, performing in local church choirs and eventually forming Downhere with a group of college friends. The band released several successful albums and toured extensively throughout North America, gaining a dedicated fan base with their blend of pop, rock, and contemporary Christian music. After being announced as one of the winners of Roger Taylor's Queen Extravaganza competition, he toured the world with the legendary rock drummer between 2012 and 2016. Following his departure from the group, he continued performing with the Ultimate Queen Celebration and provided vocal recordings for the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. During this time, Marc Martel also had time to develop his solo career, releasing the extended play The Prelude in 2013, followed by Impersonator (2014) and The Silent Night EP (2016). Over the next few years, he also gained recognition for his viral videos in which he performs as Freddie Mercury, showcasing his impressive vocal range and uncanny resemblance to the legendary Queen frontman. In 2019, he scored his first Number 1 on the Christian AC charts with a cover of the Christmas classic "Silver Bells" featuring Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. "White Christmas," the lead single from his sixth holiday record The Christmas Collection, Vol. II, peaked at Number 48 on the Christian AC Top 50 in 2022.
