Astrid set for starring role with soul legend
AWEST Lancashire schoolgirl who featured on a TV talent show is set to support one of the biggest stars of R’n’B and soul music on stage in Liverpool.
Astrid Smith, nine, has been chosen to support Alexander O’Neal in front of hundreds of fans at the Liverpool Olympia theatre.
She also supported Irish star Daniel O’Donnell at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall last week.
Astrid, who attends St Mark’s Primary School in Scarisbrick, rose to prominence after beating more than 10,000 other youngsters at the auditions to appear on the Voice Kids, where she was chosen by judge Will.I.Am to progress to the second round.
The young jazz and blues fan has continued her love of singing since her TV appearance, making a host of public performances.
In August, footage of her singing aboard an easyJet flight in support of a young girl battling cancer clocked up thousands of views online.
Although Astrid, who lives in Southport, doesn’t have an agent, she is regularly being asked to perform by big stars of the music industry.
She has been chosen as the special guest of George Gallagher, winner of BBC One’s Frank Sinatra: Our Way, at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on November 9 and New Year’s Eve.
She will also sing before Alexander O’Neal’s performance on December 8 and the young performer can’t wait to meet one of her heroes.
Astrid’s mum, Amanda, said that her daughter was born for the stage and is hugely excited for her next chance to amaze audiences.
Amanda said: “She doesn’t suffer any nerves whatsoever, so the wonderful thing is she can just get on any stage and perform. She just loves it and the audience reaction is amazing. Some people are born to be on the stage and she’s just one of those people.”
She added: “Alexander O’Neal is the king of soul and Astrid is a jazz and blues fan.
“She’s grown up with it, so it’s a really special thing for her to go and do this.
“She’s so excited for it, she just can’t wait.”