HIS heavenly voice shone through thousands of others to see him crowned Young Chorister of the Year.
Thirteen-year-old Isaac Waddington says he is still on cloud nine after winning the national competition run by BBC Radio 2.
The singer, who is a member of Portsmouth Grammar School’s Chamber Choir, beat thousands of hopefuls to the take the top spot.
He got through two preliminary heats before going up against seven other competitors in the final round.
Isaac had to sing two songs in front of an audience and judging panel at St Martin in the Fields Cathedral, in Trafalgar Square, London – and the whole thing was recorded for a Radio 2 programme.
The panel of expert judges included international choir director Suzi Digby, choral advisor David Hill, chief conductor of the BBC Singers Ken Burton and singer Mica Paris.
Having impressed the judges with his talent, the youngster was then presented with the winner’s trophy by Welsh singer and television presenter Aled Jones.
‘I was really surprised, I didn’t expect to win,’ Isaac said. ‘Most of the people there had two or three years more experience than me and had done lots of tours around the world.
‘I couldn’t believe it when they said I’d won, I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s all a bit of a blur, but it was amazing.’
As part of his prize Isaac, of Castle Street, Portchester, won tuition with a vocal coach, alongside fellow winner Louisa Jane Stirland, 15, from Preston.
They will also appear on national radio and television, including Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday and Radio 4’s Daily Service, and BBC One’s Songs of Praise.
Isaac added: ‘I’m so excited about singing on Songs of Praise – I don’t think it gets much better than that. It’s going to be fantastic.’
Last year’s winners Ella Rainbird-Earley, from Coventry, and Richard Decker, from Kent, went on to appear on a number of television shows, and Richard even sang at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Isaac’s mum Imogen, 43, said: ‘Isaac’s done so well. We’re all very excited and extremely proud of him.’
To visit Isaac’s website, click here
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