Thirteen young singers will step into the spotlight next week when they compete in the Grand Final of one of the Central Coast’s most prestigious vocal competitions, Discovered.

A professional development program for singers aged 7-24, Discovered has attracted more than 40 entrants this year, competing in a round of heats which began in July. The program was so popular that an extra heat had to be scheduled.

The Grand Final will be held on Friday night, 7 December.

Council’s Director, Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the program, now in its seventh year, had been hugely popular, with many contestants going on to compete national competitions such as ‘The Voice’ and ‘Australia’s Got Talent’.

“Discovered is much more than just a singing competition,” Ms Vaughan said. “It is a professional development program which links aspiring singers with professionals who work in the industry.”

The grand finalists range in age from 10-17. They are:

• Tamara Bensten

• Nyah Chapman

• Taeya Davison

• Riley Lovell

• Michayla McDougal

• Sybella McKay

• Emma Rogers

• Lily Roome

• Sophie Stifle

• Mitchell Vitler

• Hugh Wassall

• Niamh Watson

• Faith Williams

They will compete for a range of prizes including $5,000 to spend at Macron Music and professional development packages with some of the Coast most well-known music industry professionals and businesses.

The Grand Final will be held at the Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue from 7pm, Friday, 7 December. To be part of the audience, visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/discovered.

Discovered is an initiative of Central Coast Council. Our professional development partners are Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD), Macron Music, Elite Vocal Academy, Gina Jeffreys, Rod McCormack and Music Cellar Studios.

ENDS

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