Talented young singers and musicians do Blackpool proud in annual Pop Idol event

Izzi Nicholson was a winner in Blackpool's Pop Idol

The children of Blackpool haven’t let lockdown get in the way of competing in their much loved annual singing competition ‘Pop Idol of the Year’ with Blackpool Music Service.

This year (with parental consent) the service held a virtual competition and were inundated with entries by young singing hopefuls, with videos of them singing all around the house.

In another competition, the Musician of the Year, the entries were also of a high standard.

A Blackpool Music Service spokesman for the event said: " We are delighted to announce the winners, but want to congratulate everyone for taking part.

Grace Johny's reed playing skills impressed judges in the Young Musician event

"It goes to show how dedicated and talented our Blackpool children are. Well done to everyone for taking part!”

Blackpool Music Service has run this fabulous competition for the last 18 years and they were determined to continue to support local Blackpool children and their

singing aspirations.

So, this year, they offered a virtual competition.

Half of Blackpool’s primary schools and 65 per cent of high schools helped to prepare young vocalists for the competition and the final performances were certainly impressive.

Whilst some performances were in staged lights, make-up and costume, others were in various rooms in the competitor’s house.

Adjudicators Hayley Kay and Tracey Daniel both thoroughly enjoyed returning to the judges chairs and confirmed that such talent, drive and energy could only be

experienced in sunny Blackpool.

Macayla Gundayao gave an impressive display on piano

They awarded their first prize to a fabulous all-round performance by Izzy Nicholson from Anchorsholme Academy of Megan Traynor’s ‘Dear Future Husband’.

This was closely followed in second place by Stanley Primary School’s Lily-Mae Twist who performed ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’.

A joint third place was awarded to Madison Eva from St John Vianney Catholic Primary School and Alana Holmes from Our lady of the Assumption catholic Primary School.

In the High School competition, first place was awarded to Maisie Costello from Unity Academy.

Maisie also played guitar and wrote the original song called ‘Dad’.

Both adjudicators applauded Maisie’s musicality and empathy for the song.

Second place was awarded to Beatrice Davis from St Mary’s Catholic Academy for a wonderful of ‘All I want’.

Third prize was given to Bailey Fieldsend from South Shore Academy who was also the youngest high school performer.

Music Adviser Andrew White said: "The variety of songs and professional standards achieved by so many young children was outstanding and a real joy to

both see and hear.

"With new singing opportunities planned for September we look forward to working with all our young vocal stars."

Both winning performances can be seen on Blackpool Music Service website.

Meanwhile, the winners of , the Musician of the Year, were:

Primary: 1st Macayla Gundayao – St Kentigern’s Catholic Primary School; 2nd Ella Adshead – St Nicholas C of E School; 3rd Bethany Casey – Anchorsholme Academy

Key Stage 3: 1st Grace Johny – St Mary’s Catholic Academy

Key Stage 4: 1st Charisse Villarino – St Mary’s Catholic Academy; 2nd Lukass Lesins – Unity Academy; 3rd Charlotte Tabeart - Highfield Leadership Academy