A Modern Apprentice from Denbighshire is hoping to hit the big time after securing a place at the prestigious Open Mic UK finals taking place in Birmingham in January.
19 year old Joe Woolford from Ruthin, a Modern Apprentice currently working with Denbighshire County Council’s Education department, has beaten hundreds of hopefuls competing for the Open Mic honour in the 16-20 years category. He is the only Welsh person left in the contest.
Joe originally attended an audition in Manchester where he had 90 seconds to impress a panel of judges. He made it through to the next stage – the regional finals held in the Royal College of Music in Manchester. He did not get the judges vote in this stage but got through as a result of a public vote.
Last weekend, Joe wowed the judges at the area final held in Dewsbury and has made it through to the live final taking place in front of a live audience at the NEC in Birmingham on January 18.
Joe, who is a fluent Welsh speaker, said: “This has been a totally amazing journey for me. I’ve been busy over the past year gigging in local venues in Denbighshire and thought that the Open Mic UK competition was a great opportunity.
“The reaction from the judges and the public has been unbelievable. I’ve had so many people sending their best wishes for the competition, with up to twenty people coming along to support me in the competition. This support has really spurred me on to do my best in the competition.
“I’m looking forward to the competition. It’s a great platform for people not currently signed to try and impress the judges and hopefully forge a career in music”.
Open Mic UK music provides an opportunity for new talent to showcase their music and singing, including the chance to perform live in front of music and entertainment industry judges including Kiss FM, Choice FM, BBC Radio, regional press and celebrity judges, with judges getting more prestigious as the competition progresses. Past celebrity judges for the singing competition have included DJs from Radio 1 such as Ras Kwame, Annie Nightingale MBE, and R’n’B sensation Shola Ama to name a few.
For further information about the competition, please visit: www.openmicuk.co.uk
