IT was second time lucky for Bolton singer Kieran Slater at the town’s Stars for a Night talent competition.
The 28 year-old civil servant with the powerful voice wowed the judges and the audience at the Octagon Theatre event to take the £250 first prize.
This was just 12 months after he was a finalist in the first Stars for a Night run by local young homeless charity BACKUP North West – but then discovered he could not make the final.
Kieran, who put in a mesmerizing performance singing Radiohead hit ballad Creep, was one of 11 entertaining acts which won through to the final of the popular competition.
Becky Demaine opened the show with an impressive rendition of Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On, followed by talented Buska Ella who both sang Taylor’s Swift’s hit Love Story and played the violin.
Unity Drama Group gave a really different entertaining offering with the choreographed song Ex Wife from musical Six before 14 year-old Isabelle Haywood put in a mature performance with Abba’s Slipping Through My Fingers.
Lizzie Anne Crowther was up next with an impressive rendition of Miranda Lambert’s Mama’s Broken Heart. The first half was then brought to a close by 15 year-old guitarist T J Daubney playing and singing Greenday’s Basketcase to showcase more local talent.
A collaboration of local authors Carl Wheatley and Simon Harthill and young performers from Stagecoach brought fun entertainment to the interval with a performance around award-winning book Reggie Rockit.
Kieran opened the second half, followed by 14 year-old Freya Shaw with a lovely performance of Lady Gaga’s Shallow.
Summer Helme delighted the audience with her version of Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now before another talented 14 year-old, Olivia Savage, sang Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats.
Closing the show in fine style were Smithills School Band’s Spud Squad of singers and musicians who tackled No Doubt’s Just a Girl with audience-pleasing energy.
Judges for the event were Bolton FM’s Rachel Darne and freelance journalist Angela Kelly.
Former Thornleigh School pupil Kieran took music A-level at Holy Cross College in Bury before developing his parallel singing career gigging at events, clubs and pubs around the country.
“I love singing any type of music including opera and musical theatre,” stated Kieran, who performed with the CATS Youth Theatre. “But I like a strong ballad.”
His partner Liz is very supportive of his singing and two year-old son Lucas already enjoys duetting with his Dad.
Now, Kieran hopes to build on his talent show win to extend his success, singing in his authentic style.
BACKUP CEO Maura Jackson said: “This was our second year of running Stars for a Night and won’t be our last.
“It was my absolute pleasure to host an event that whilst it benefits our charity is really all about the potential and dreams of other people who have a talent.
“The finalists were incredible – some real show-stoppers. The winner, Kieran, was the perfect choice.
“BACKUP is a community-based charity and always has been and this event is a great way to be part of that.”
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