Following a series of tough auditions, the following eight top-quality finalists showcased their singing talents in The BIG Voice Grand Final 2006 for the title of “The BIG Voice 2006” and a first prize of a day in the professional recording studio of acclaimed music producer Guy Chambers. All eight finalists were of an extremely high calibre...
Introducing the finalists:
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|  Winner Yamit Mamo’s performances have been causing quite a stir recently at intimate venues across London. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter, who has been compared with Carole King and Eddie Reader, also recently performed in Trafalgar Square as BBC Radio 3 launched the First Night Of The Proms.
Her wide variety of influences range from Freddie Mercury to drum ‘n’ bass DJ Shy FX. She said: “I feel blessed and extremely privileged to have got through to the final eight and I’m so looking forward to being a part of it all. The BIG Voice is for an amazing cause that is really close to my heart and I hope that lots and lots of money will be raised (as well as lots of voices too!). I’m most looking forward to performing on a nice big stage in a fabulous venue, meeting other singers and musicians, and making the audience smile”. Click here to read the post-event Press Release now...
 Runner-Up Jodie Beth Meyer, 20, has been singing, dancing and acting since she was a child and, aged 11, began training professionally at the Sylvia Young Theatre School. She is in her final year of a musical theatre degree at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Over the years she has performed at various venues; from the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace to local theatres and care homes. She is a sessional care worker for Norwood in East London and has experienced at first hand the great work that Norwood does. She said: “I am thrilled to have reached the final because I love singing and performing and I want to help raise money for the great kids with whom I work“.
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Joel Lindsey, 24, has been playing piano and guitar and singing for 10 years. He performs regularly with his band, “The Joel Lindsey Band”, which has been building a firm following over the last year. He cites Free, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley, Cream and Fiona Apple as his major musical influences. On reaching the final of The BIG Voice, he said: “ I feel like this is a step in the right direction in terms of progressing my musical career, and am overjoyed to be playing at a great venue in aid of such an important cause. I know I will do my part in trying to entertain the crowd, and I’m sure my competitors will be up for it too. Bring it on!”
Daniel Risner, 19, is studying performing arts at Leeds University and made it to the last 21 on X Factor in 2005, an achievement of which he is understandably proud. He has been singing since the age of nine, and has performed in venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall to the Forum. His main influences are Lionel Richie, Al Jolson and Andrea Bocelli. He said: “I’m delighted to be in the final, and cannot wait to put a smile on people’s faces. Whether I win or lose, I will relish the opportunity to sing, which is something I love doing.”
As well as being an accomplished singer, John Franklin, 20, has been playing saxophone and piano for more than 10 years. He admires veteran performers such as Tina Turner and Tom Jones, and also has respect for newer artists who are not afraid to break the mould commercially. He said: “Getting through to the Grand Final is amazing. I am unbelievably excited and still a little overwhelmed. I am so honoured to have been chosen, and also a little surprised, but it is a fantastic confidence boost”.
Nicole Conway, 23, first started classical voice training at the age of 11, but has been moving in more of a pop direction in recent years. She has written, recorded and produced her own material and performed at the Palace Theatre as the culmination of a Les Miserables masterclass. She currently performs with MOB Live (Mobsters) at Barmitzvahs, parties and corporate events. Her musical influences include Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Eva Cassidy. She said: “I am extremely excited having been asked to sing in the grand final of The Big Voice as well as a little nervous! But I think it is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to show our talent and of course it is all for a great cause too.”
Eliot Alderman, 28, is a full-time singer who spent several years training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He began his singing career as a baritone and - before making the move up to tenor - gained a large amount of stage and concert experience. Eliot studied chazzanut (the Jewish liturgical tradition) at the Tel-Aviv Cantorial Institute and is regularly in demand as a synagogue cantor. He was recently appointed Assistant Musical Director of the London Jewish Male Choir, in time for its 80th anniversary celebrations in 2006. On reaching the final, he said: “I’m very excited! It's my first attempt at something of this nature, and I am hoping that I can make the right sort of impression on the audience and judges. I’m looking forward to showing the music I love to a new audience, as well as working alongside new musicians.”
Corrine Westwood, 23, has always been passionate about singing and song writing. She spent much of her childhood composing, writing lyrics, and fantasising about her future as a rock star. She received vocal training for many years, sang in a choir and performed with bands in numerous pubs and other venues. She spent six months in New York last year, working in a recording studio and learning the basics of music production. She has recorded a number of songs for adverts and has also appeared in a film score. She is influenced by Jeff Buckley, as well as Eva Cassidy and Aretha Franklin. She says: “I am thrilled and inspired to be participating in the final stage of the “The BIG Voice” and I am very excited about the opportunity of performing with a live band, in front of a charitable audience for such a significant and important charity.”
Tickets are selling rapidly for what promises to be an exciting, adrenalin-filled evening of entertainment, as the finalists battle it out for their chance to take the first step on the steep ladder to “Fame and Fortune”.
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Read the post-event Press Release now...
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