Iona hopes to wow judges in contest bid for singing stardom
A SINGING sensation from Poynton is through to the regional finals of a national talent competition.
Iona Paul Rodger, 14, is aiming to win Open Mic UK, a search for the next big thing.
The Poynton High School pupil will compete in a regional head-tohead battle in front of a live audience and professional judging panel at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, on October 5.
The winner will go to the final at London’s O2 Arena, where the overall winner will receive £5,000, singing lessons, music industry feedback, footage of their live show performances and time in a recording studio.
Iona is no stranger to the stage having performed regularly since she was four years old.
She is a member of Poynton Junior singers and Dance at the Smithy in Stockport.
She has also rubbed shoulders with stars like Steven Grace, Layton Williams and Duncan James.
Her mum Deborah said: “Iona has a wonderful voice. Singing is what she loves to do.
“She is looking forward to performing in the competition again.”
Recently Iona joined NK Theatre Arts in Romiley and was given the lead role of Dorothy in Wiz, which was performed at the Romiley Theatre. She has also sung at local festivals.
Open Mic UK is a search for unsigned singers, singersongwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres performing either covers or their own original material.
The competition is divided into under 16, 16-20, and 21 and over age categories bidding to win the big prize.