Nantwich teenager Josh Whittaker has made it through to the Grand National Final of the Open Mic UK competition.
The talented 15-year-old, who studies at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, is one of only five singers in the under 16 category to make it through the Area Final.
He competed against 28 other acts in the third stage of the competition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on Sunday (November 16).
And the 29 acts were whittled down to five who will join other area final winners from across the country in the grand final.
Josh was on 28th out of 29 acts and performed George Michael’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” to an overwhelming response from the audience.
“Song choice was key this time,” said Josh.
“I wanted to show I could handle a big song under pressure.
“I didn’t know how many of us would go through, so this feels like such an achievement.
“When I was leaving the Concert Hall people I didn’t know were stopping me and telling me that they had voted for me which was an amazing feeling!”
Acts had come from across the North West of England and Scotland for the area final.
Judges marked each act and the audience votes were also counted up.
Now he faces a busy few weeks as he performs at charity functions for The Nantwich Christie Support Group and The Joshua Tree, as well as his regular slot at The Cheshire Cat, in Nantwich.
He is also delighted to have been asked to co-host the Chart and Chat Show on local station RedShift Radio with Charlotte Birch.
“I feel so lucky all this is happening for me, I love singing and the fact that it is bringing me so many different opportunities is unbelievable.”
The Open Mic UK Grand Final takes place on January 24 at the NEC Birmingham.
“The most overwhelming thing about all of this is that so many people have supported me in so many ways, either by coming to watch, or through social media, or offering me opportunities to play,” Josh added.
For tickets to see him, email [email protected] or visit his facebook page www.facebook.com/joshwhittakermusic
Well done Josh, absolutely stunning performance.