THE search for Hull's brightest young singing star is officially over.
The winner of the Mail's Junior Star Search 2014 has been crowned after singing starlets battled it out on the stage in front of a packed audience at the final yesterday.
It was clear that Hull definitely has talent after 13 young acts sang their hearts out to music of all genres.
But there could only be one winner and the trophy was taken home by Emmie Craft, of east Hull, after her funky performance of Madcon's Beggin' got the audience clapping along.
The 14-year-old, who dreams of being a pop star and names singing sensation Rihanna as her inspiration, said: "I am really happy.
"I am so surprised I won. There was such a lot of talent, everyone was really good."
It was the first time the youngster, who also sang Kodaline's High Hopes, had entered the competition, which has been held at the Freedom Centre on Preston Road, east Hull, for three years.
Along with the sparkling trophy, she was also awarded £100 of shopping vouchers, two tickets to see Fame The Musical and some family swimming passes.
But she said she is more looking forward to performing at Tribfest, the world's biggest tribute festival, and the adult Star Search final on July 23.
"I am so excited," she said.
"Winning is an added bonus for me because taking part was such a great experience. When I am on stage, it just feels like I am meant to be up there."
Junior Star Search saw 60 budding pop stars and musicians bravely audition for organisers Vicky and Dave Norman, who run the X Factor style-competition in a bid to encourage and celebrate the area's talent.
From these auditions, just 13 acts made it into the live final.
Coming in second place was Jade Farnill, 14, who blew the crowd away with her version of Katy B's Crying For No Reason followed by the hit soundtrack to Disney's Frozen, Let It Go.
She dreams of making it in the glamorous world of musical theatre.
"It has been a really good experience," said the Archbishop Sentamu Academy pupil.
"It is great to know people do believe in me and think that I am good enough to do it.
"I only started singing a couple of years ago, I just love being on stage and competitions like this really help me with my confidence."
Joining Jade in the top three was Sydnie Cooper, who beat competition from the likes of guitar playing Frankie Hutchinson, young entertainer Brooke Grace, nine-year- old Ellice Smalley – the youngest of the competitors – and "mini Olly Murs", Harvey Green.
Wayward Suns, a four-piece rock band, were also among the judges favourites.
Sydnie, 15, said: "It was a really great experience and coming in third means such a lot.
"The winner was amazing, she really deserves it."
For presenter Dave Norman, every singer deserved to be up on stage.
He said: "I am always amazed by the quality of the performances, so it is unfortunate we can only have one winner when they all deserve it.
"It is fantastic to see such talent in these young kids and a show like this is a great chance for them to show what they can do."
Judge Christie Clifford, of arts and theatre trade union Equity, can't wait to watch the talent of the youngsters grow.
She said: "It is great to see these gutsy kids, at the start of their talent, showing people what they can do.
"It is not easy getting up on stage, there were a few nerves, but it is great to see.
"This is great experience for them and a chance to get out there and show off their talents."
Star Search winner's verdict CALUM Scott a judge and the winner of last year's adult Star Search was impressed with the junior talent on show.He said: "It is awesome to be here but at the opposite end to last year.
"I feel for every competitor because it is very nerve-racking and it is exactly how I was feeling.
"There were some performers who really shined through, like Harvey Green, who people are calling a "mini Olly Murs". He is a really cool little guy and had such a lot of confidence.
"I definitely think there is a budding star among us today.
"This competition is great, it really helped me when I was starting out.
"It is important for kids to be given these chances."
• See a gallery of pictures from the final
