Parents Belinda and Floyd Atkinson-Jones their parents John & Sheila, family members and friends are absolutely delighted for Shanaya who was Runnerup in a National Singing Contest held in Birmingham last week. “Our hearts are bursting with pride” said her Mother. On Friday 27th January Shanaya, aged 19, and Mum Belinda, headed down to Birmingham to be there in good time for all the excitement a performance the
NEC brings, sound checks, rehearsals, hair and make-up. “The amount of luggage we had for a three day stay was phenomenal “but that is part of being a 19 year old Diva” Shanaya’s Dad Floyd said. The story began in September 2016 with auditions and Shanaya winning through to the Regional Final on October 2016, Area Finals in November and on Saturday 28th January 2017 the Grand Final of Open Mic UK. The competition spans the whole of the U.K. attracting over 30,000 entrants, 10,000 in Shanaya’s age range 1620 years. There were 27 competitors in Shanaya’s category and she was 24th to perform singing a Jennifer Hudson cover “And I Am Telling You”. The auditorium was full to capacity with her face on huge screens at either side of the stage and behind her. When she began signing, there was no holding her – the audience was on its feet, the noise level so high, cheering, whistling and the applause deafening.
Belinda told Newton News: “You just never know what the panel of rather famous judges are looking for. After all the competitors performed, our entourage of 33 waited with bated breath for the results”. First to be announced were awards for professional development, then the award for best original song, still no mention of Shanaya, 3rd place was announced and then the runner up of the UK Open Mic 2016 – SHANAYA! It was sheer delight as Shanaya, ever humble, calmly stepped forward to receive her truly deserved, amazing accolade. Her Mum said “I have had many proud moments shared with my daughter, but this is fantastic and certainly tops anything else, absolute pride and joy” Shanaya is truly committed to singing and performing and will give everything to achieve her dream, and now doors are opening for her. Shanaya’s dream of “singing for her living” can only be a step from reality. The family thank Newton News readers and everyone who supported Shanaya, sent in text votes and travelled thousands of miles in the process.
PHOTO:Shanaya with her trophy, surrounded by family and friends after the contest
