A ‘THRILLED’ teenage singer-songwriter has won Rugby’s annual talent contest by performing a song she wrote with her late auntie.
Ezza Brianna was declared the winner of Rugby’s Got Talent 2022 – returning after three years off due to the pandemic – in front of a packed audience at the Benn Hall.
The 17-year-old’s song, a Bond-esque number entitled Live Another Day, received a standing ovation from the judges.
She said: “I wrote my song during lockdown, over Facetime with my auntie. It means a great deal to myself and my family because we recently lost my auntie.
“It was a thrill to perform in front of such a large audience and I am so grateful for all the encouragement and support I received from my mentor Duncan Arrow and the judges.”
Ezza – who is also known as Erin Curran – won £500 in prize money, and will get the chance to perform at the Rugby Music Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday, and at the Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Nine acts made it through to the final with a variety of performances including rap, breakdancing, solo singers and a 40-strong choir.
Singer-guitarist Aaron Evans came second with his version of House of the Rising Sun, while singer Alyssa Martyn’s rendition of Lady Gaga’s Shallow earned her third place.
Head judge Mike Folly said: “The judges were impressed by how all the contestants had developed over the course of the competition.
“The talent on display was awe inspiring – and we were particularly delighted by the way they all actively supported each other, with everyone benefiting positively from the experience of being involved in the ‘Class of 2022’.
“We expect to hear a lot more from them all in the coming months.”
He added: “We were delighted to invite a group of Ukrainian refugees to the concerts, and all money raised from the events will be distributed to local charities through the Rotary Club of Rugby Dunsmore.”
The finalists were whittled down from dozens of entrants who joined open mic sessions at the The Crow Pie pub and in Rugby Central shopping centre – and then from the 21 acts who took part in three semi-final events at the Hillmorton ex-Servicemen’s Club.
Visit www.rugbysgottalent.org.uk for more information.
