Formerly voted as the audience’s favourite act at one of Gloucestershire prestigious young talent shows, it was with much glee that I was invited to be a judge for this year’s competition. Now in its 13th year and with a new team on board to pioneer youth talent the final of the Undiscovered Youth Talent Show is to take the stage this Saturday.
Fifteen talented young people will battle it out to be crowned the Undiscovered Youth Winner for 2014 this Saturday as The Door Youth Project sees another amazing search for tomorrow’s stars come to an end.
Auditions were held back in November as singers from across the country vied to follow stars like Nathan Sykes and Mary-Jess Leaverland to the coveted Undiscovered Youth title. Since its launch 12 years ago, the completion has given the opportunity for hundreds of 11-25 year olds to perform and develop. Many of whom have continued on to stage and drama schools, or to make the big time – like Mary-Jess, winner in 2008, who is now an international best selling performer. “Undiscovered Youth gave me the confidence to sing classical music on stage, something which might have seemed uncool for a teenager to do. Without the competition, and the support of the guys at The Door, I would never have got to where I am now,” says Mary-Jess, who is now patron of the Stroud based charity and offers her time coaching the next batch of singers whenever her busy international schedule allows.
Finalists this year will be showcasing a variety of musical styles, from classical to pop, rock to musical theatre, as they attempt to wow the judging panel and audience alike and win the title, and the prize of time in a professional recording studio. The Final itself will also be featured on BBC Introducing in The West, whilst the audience can be refreshed from a bar supported by Stroud Brewery.
The Final is being held in Marling School Hall, Cainscross Road on Saturday 15th March. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets, priced at £5 for adults and £4 for under 16s are available from undiscoveredyouth.co.uk and via the Tranzform shop, High Street, Stroud.
Rhyme and shine 