I had heard about this talent show through friends on Facebook, and so I decided to give it a go. It had been ages since I entered a talent show, so I thought, why not?
I entered it as soon as I could, and when I had been accepted, I chose my songs and got practising.
I entered it as soon as I could, and when I had been accepted, I chose my songs and got practising.
It was to be held on a Saturday evening, at about eight o'clock, which worked out great for me, as I finished work that day at 7pm; Dad would pick me up, and we would drive straight to the Farmhouse, where it was to be held.
I felt very nervous all day, and my shift dragged and dragged until I thought the clock must have stopped! When 7 had finally come, I changed into my white dress with silver shoes, and put a little bit of makeup on, and my friends all wished me good luck.
On the way to the venue, I warmed up my voice, and once we arrived, I greeted the judges and the emcee, who were all very lovely.
My Dad and I sat down and chatted while waiting for the other contestants to arrive. It was very busy already, and I hope the audience would like me, and what I do.
The first contestant was a young girl with a huge, powerful voice. I don't quite remember the name of the ballad she sang, but the audience loved it, and gave her a huge round of applause.
The next contestant was an older gentleman who sang a fantastic rendition of a Frank Sinatra; this was right my alley – who doesn't like Frankie boy? - and the crowd liked it as well.
Next up was yours truly; my first song was “O Mio Babbino Caro;” I like to perform this song in competitions, as it's one that people always seem to enjoy. I was glad that the audience were respectful and listening to me as I performed.
The crowd gave me a big cheer when I had finished, and I was very happy that they liked it so much. When I sat back down, my Dad said that it was the best that I had ever done it.
One young lad came over to congratulate me, saying that even though he didn't like opera, he thought I was amazing, aww. He asked me if I had a manager, and when I said no, he said that if he was a manager and he signed me, he'd be a millionaire in two weeks. I thought that was very sweet of him, and I kept thanking him.
I felt very nervous all day, and my shift dragged and dragged until I thought the clock must have stopped! When 7 had finally come, I changed into my white dress with silver shoes, and put a little bit of makeup on, and my friends all wished me good luck.
On the way to the venue, I warmed up my voice, and once we arrived, I greeted the judges and the emcee, who were all very lovely.
My Dad and I sat down and chatted while waiting for the other contestants to arrive. It was very busy already, and I hope the audience would like me, and what I do.
The first contestant was a young girl with a huge, powerful voice. I don't quite remember the name of the ballad she sang, but the audience loved it, and gave her a huge round of applause.
The next contestant was an older gentleman who sang a fantastic rendition of a Frank Sinatra; this was right my alley – who doesn't like Frankie boy? - and the crowd liked it as well.
Next up was yours truly; my first song was “O Mio Babbino Caro;” I like to perform this song in competitions, as it's one that people always seem to enjoy. I was glad that the audience were respectful and listening to me as I performed.
The crowd gave me a big cheer when I had finished, and I was very happy that they liked it so much. When I sat back down, my Dad said that it was the best that I had ever done it.
One young lad came over to congratulate me, saying that even though he didn't like opera, he thought I was amazing, aww. He asked me if I had a manager, and when I said no, he said that if he was a manager and he signed me, he'd be a millionaire in two weeks. I thought that was very sweet of him, and I kept thanking him.
It always makes me happy when people enjoy my singing, and it makes me even more happy when they take the time to come over and talk to me.
After me, the last lady to perform sang a very nice version of “Back to Black.” After she had finished, it was time for a quick break, and then we were called up once again to perform our second song, of which mine was “Time To Say Goodbye.” The crowds always seem to like this song, and I love singing it.
I didn't feel that I did my best with this song, but the crowd still gave me another big cheer, so it can't have been too bad, but I still feel that I could have done better.
While the judges were deciding which two acts to send through, it was karaoke time. Every table was given a big book of songs to choose from, and some paper where you wrote down someone's name and also the song for them to perform.
I'm not much of a karaoke person, although I was very happy to see lots of Michael Jackson songs on the list, I didn't get up to perform; I didn't fancy moonwalking in my heels!
After a nerve-wracking twenty minutes, the emcee was ready announce the acts who would go through. I was sure that the two ladies would win, as they had such beautiful voices; imagine my surprise when my name was called out! I was so shocked, I could only sit there while everyone clapped.
The gentleman got through as well, and I ran over to thank the judges. I was so over the moon, I practically skipped to the car!
I have uploaded my performance of “O Mio Babbino Caro” on YouTube, which you can see here. The sound quality isn't great, and there is a bit of background chatter, but I hope you enjoy watching it just the same.
After me, the last lady to perform sang a very nice version of “Back to Black.” After she had finished, it was time for a quick break, and then we were called up once again to perform our second song, of which mine was “Time To Say Goodbye.” The crowds always seem to like this song, and I love singing it.
I didn't feel that I did my best with this song, but the crowd still gave me another big cheer, so it can't have been too bad, but I still feel that I could have done better.
While the judges were deciding which two acts to send through, it was karaoke time. Every table was given a big book of songs to choose from, and some paper where you wrote down someone's name and also the song for them to perform.
I'm not much of a karaoke person, although I was very happy to see lots of Michael Jackson songs on the list, I didn't get up to perform; I didn't fancy moonwalking in my heels!
After a nerve-wracking twenty minutes, the emcee was ready announce the acts who would go through. I was sure that the two ladies would win, as they had such beautiful voices; imagine my surprise when my name was called out! I was so shocked, I could only sit there while everyone clapped.
The gentleman got through as well, and I ran over to thank the judges. I was so over the moon, I practically skipped to the car!
I have uploaded my performance of “O Mio Babbino Caro” on YouTube, which you can see here. The sound quality isn't great, and there is a bit of background chatter, but I hope you enjoy watching it just the same.
Thanks for reading, but now I must dash off to practise for the next round!
Until next time
Lauren xx
Until next time
Lauren xx