An “unassuming lad with the voice of a lion” has wowed judges at a talent show.
The North West Talent show took place at the University of Bolton on Saturday May 20.
On the night Kai Berry, from Chorley was crowned as winner after first performing Lady Gaga’s Shallow, followed up by a sing-off acapella version of I Am Nothing.
Speaking after his victory, Kai said: “Wow! I can’t believe I won! I really didn’t think I would be the winner, thank you so much.”
The event was hosted by the university together with Media M and saw performers from all over the North West take to the stage in front of 300 guests, including newly installed Mayor of Bolton Cllr Mohammed Ayub and the Mayoress Zaibun Nisa, in the Social Learning Zone.
Judges were drawn from a wide range of talented figures from across the worlds of arts and entertainment who draw on experience going right to the top of the industry.
They included Media M founder Marcus Nisar, singer-songwriter Hussnain Lahore, SonAash dancing duo member Aashana Kaur, artist Mani Liaqat, Shockout Arts principal Billie Like and 2019 Strictly Come Dancing winner Kelvin Fletcher.
Kai will now have the chance to launch his singing career by being recorded at the award winning Astar Studios, with support from the university and Media M.
Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes said: “As part of our commitment to the local community, we were delighted to host this talent show to give the chance for people from Bolton and beyond from our diverse communities to show off what they can do to a wider audience.
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“The evening was a great success and the performers’ success translates to our success. I am keen in helping people from all our communities reach their potential.”
Other faculty members were similarly impressed by the nine-year-old’s performance.
Professor Zubair Hanslot, Provost of the University of Bolton, said: “It was a fantastic event and everyone was blown away by the standard on display.
“The young winner Kai is a polite, unassuming lad with the voice of a lion! He was amazing."
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