A group of talented local performers have made it to the semi-finals of Bristol’s annual Search for a Star contest.
The seven semi-finalists are: Sophie Hayes, Mitchell Hodges, Corey Rumble, Tracey Jones, Brian Dimery, Jake and Beckie Leigh and Martin Williamson.
15 year old Sophie Haynes performed Beyonce’s ‘Smash Into You’ and John Legend’s ‘Ordinary People’.
Sophie said: “It was really good. It went well and I really enjoyed it.”
Corey Rumble, 16, who is studying musical theatre at Filton College, said: “I feel brilliant. I think that is the best I have ever sang. I got some really good feedback which was good.”
Mitchell Hodges, a national American Irish dancing champion, created new routines for the competition.
He said: “My gran has been encouraging me to take part and she filled out the forms for me. I have been doing Irish dancing for 11 years now and I really enjoy it. I get a buzz being on stage and I enjoy the social life.”
41 year old area sales manager Tracey Jones said: “I’m really excited about getting through. There was such a lot of tremendous talent here tonight – I’m just so pleased to have the opportunity.”
Event organiser Debbie Dyer said: “We had a really lively audience tonight which was great. All the contestants were really brilliant – there were no losers again tonight.”
The winner of the contest will receive the Heineken UK Search for a Star trophy, a day at the Access To Music recording studio and a cheque for £1,000.
Previous winners have competed on X Factor and trained at London’s prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.