As Glamis Prom launches a search for a local hopeful to join the star-studded lineup on August 25, Gayle Ritchie meets the teenager picked to feature in last year’s show.
Talented performers across Courier Country – listen up. If you have a sensational singing voice, you could be chosen to perform a song at Glamis Prom!
Applications are being invited from people of all ages but only one person will win the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sharing the stage with this year’s celebrity singers – Kerry Ellis, Tom Urie, Saskia Eng and Norman Bowman.
As the search for a local star officially launched this week, The Courier caught up with last year’s winner, Erin Paterson.
Erin was only 12 years old and a pupil at Inchture Primary School when she entered the competition.
Although she hadn’t had any singing lessons, she had starred as Annie in 2016 and had a number of acting roles under her belt.
Producers were flooded with entries but Erin took the top spot and performed “Tomorrow” from Annie, sharing the stage with Susan Boyle, Lee Mead, Jai McDowall and Christina Bianco.
“It was an awesome experience,” said Erin, now 13 and a pupil at Perth High School.
How to enter
To be in with a chance of sharing the stage with Kerry Ellis, Tom Urie, Saskia Eng and Norma Bowman, all contenders need to do is email a video of themselves singing to the organisers.
Applications must be sent to sing@glamisprom.com with subject line “Glamis Prom Local Star Search”.
Entrants can be any age this year. Applicants must send either a YouTube link or a good quality video clip that clearly shows their performing abilities.
Video clips can be of any song or performance but the winner’s chosen song must fit with The Great British Songbook theme. Deadline for submissions is July 20.
“I’ve always loved singing and acting and I’ve been in a couple of productions with Downfield Musical Society.
“Before the Prom, I’d never had any singing lessons but my mum and dad are both musicians so being musical runs in the family.”
Modest Erin said she didn’t expect to be chosen to sing at the Prom but when she did, she was hugely excited.
“I didn’t realise what a big deal it was!” she said. “I had a runner who looked after me and I was made to feel so special – like royalty!
“I met Susan Boyle, Jai McDowell, Christina Bianco and Lee Mead! They were all really nice, especially Christina, who looked after me and would often text me.”
“Singing along with a big orchestra was also amazing; something I never thought I’d do.”
Erin’s advice to anyone thinking of entering the talent competition is to “just go for it”.
“All you have to do is send in a video of yourself singing and you never know, it could be you on the stage this year,” she added.
Event director Peter Ferguson said: “The contest is open to all ages this year. The audition clip should showcase your voice but you should be prepared to sing a song that fits with The Great British Songbook theme which is what the Glamis Prom 2018 is all about.”
The Glamis Prom is one of the highlights of Scotland’s music calendar, bringing national and international superstars to the stage.
It’s set against the stunning backdrop of Glamis Castle and music lovers can purchase gazebo pitches and are allowed to bring their own picnics to enjoy al fresco food and drink.
Tickets for Glamis Prom are on sale now www.glamisprom.com.
