A HEARTFELT rendition of Whitney Huston’s “I Have Nothing” won both the audience’s and judges’ votes at Chester’s Search for a Star competition.
Hayley Jones, 49, from Rossett, Wrexham, wowed the packed out Amphitheatre Bar, on Frodsham Street, Chester, with her faultless version of the power ballad.
Hayley had tears in her eyes when the final scores were announced by host DJ Jamie Stevens, and was asked to return to the stage to sing for the second time.
The fifth heat in the singing competition was filled with high-calibre acts, many of whom brought their own unique styles to the stage.
Twenty-one-year-old musical theatre student Katie Saxon, from Chester, was first to take to the microphone with her fiery version of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”.
She was closely followed by guitarist Billy Poland, who sang his own original song, duo Ceri and Claire and 16-year-old Matt Newman from Penyffordd, who showed true potential with his version of Michael Buble’s “Hold On”.
Judges took their time to deliberate over the quality acts, but unanimously decided that Hayley would go through to the finals to be held on June 10.
The event which is being co-promoted in association with the Leader’s sister paper The Chester Standard and local radio station Dee 106.3, and the final heat in the competition will be held this Thursday.
For your chance to grab one of the final chances to take part in this exciting competition, fill in an entry form at the venue or log on to www.amphitheatre-bar.co.uk or www.terryunderhill.com
The overall winner will get an opportunity to appear as part of Chester Music Festival, Chestival 2010, and perform in front of thousands during race day on July 10.
In addition the grand final winner will receive £300 in cash and be offered the chance of a management contract.
The competition is open to solo performers, duos and vocal groups of up to four people.
The final will be judged by record company executives and a recording artist who has personally experienced the audition process in front of millions. Terry Underhill, who is organising the competition on behalf of The Amphitheatre, said: “Chester has always had a vibrant live music scene and this is the first time that unknown performers will get the chance to shine.
“I’ve spent the past 25 years working with some of the world’s biggest music stars and my search for the star of the future starts here. I truly believe we can find a future recording artist and would encourage everyone with talent to enter this competition”.
See the video below for Hayley's winning performance!