Lower Sixth pupil Cathryn Barton has impressed the judges at the TeenStar auditions and has secured herself a place at the Regional Finals of the UK’s only singing and dancing competition. TeenStar is exclusively for teens and pre-teens, and Cathryn will now be performing in a live showcase in the competition taking place on 9^th April in Liverpool.

TeenStar is an exciting national singing and dancing competition searching for the UK’s best teen and pre-teen singers, singer/songwriters, rappers, dancers and dance groups of all genres and styles. Cathryn, a talented and dedicated singer, entered the competition after receiving a tweet advertising the Liverpool auditions which caught her eye.

Cathryn first began singing when she was five years old and has enjoyed performing in various shows and competitions. From a young age she began taking the London College of Music Exams for Musical Theatre and this year has completed Grade 8, passing with distinction. She has now received distinctions in all of her LCM exams from Grade 1-8 which is a fantastic achievement. At school she is a proud member of both the Senior Chamber Choir and MTGS Choir, having been a part of each choir since Year 7.  Cathryn has had many enriching experiences through her time spent with the MTGS Music Department, namely the annual Music Tours which she was a part of between July 2012 and July 2015.

Having sung at various events such as Christmas Parties, New Year Parties and also as a form of entertainment for the residents at nursing homes, Cathryn is no stranger to the stage and takes great pleasure from each performance as she enjoys engaging with the audiences. Now Cathryn has taken the next step and is in the running to follow in the footsteps of previous winners Luke Friend and Emily Middlemas, and compete for a place in the Grand Final.

Thousands of hopefuls entered TeenStar nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges. Cathryn said “Once I had arrived at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool where the auditions were held, I noticed other sixteen, seventeen and eighteen-year-olds who were gearing up for their auditions. It honestly felt like I was in some sort reality TV show!” All entrants are aiming to make it to that prestigious Grand Final where the spotlight will be shone on them and they’ll have the chance to win some huge prizes such as; recording an album, shooting a music video, scholarships to the Flawless Dance School, sponsorship from Squad Dancewear and more.

Chris Grayston, Events Coordinator for TeenStar comments “We are looking to find an act that has something unique to offer, another Birdy or Luke Friend that can go all the way, with both the ability to deliver a strong live performance but also potential to become a professional recording artist or dance act. Now with the addition of dance acts, these shows are going to be so exciting to watch and judge! There is so much talent out there I’m sure we can find that star again!”

Those who made it through the audition stage will now take part in a live Regional head-to-head battle alongside the best talent in their area. They’ll be performing in front of hundreds of audience members and a professional judging panel to win a place at the National Grand Final. Cathryn commented I can’t wait to perform at the Regional Live Final in Liverpool on Sunday 9th April, in front of all my friends and family; it’s going to serve as such a captivating experience, and also as a refreshing break from my AS Levels!

For more information go to the website www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk, or better still come down and support your local talent performing! You can purchase tickets from the website www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk, as well as on the door subject to availability or from Cathryn herself.