A young singer from Coventry who won a Rotary youth competition is on the road to stardom after being spotted by music mogul, Simon Cowell.
Reece Bahia, who won last year’s Rotary Club of Coventry Jubilee’s Young Entertainer competition was auditioning in London for a new talent show when Cowell casually strolled in and told Reece he liked his voice. Now the 17 year old is waiting to hear what happens next while he is putting the finishing touches to his first single.
Reece said: “It was crazy. There had been no mention of Simon Cowell being involved at all. They told me to press a space bar when I finished my song and when I did, the wall disappeared. Then I got the shock of my life when I saw Simon Cowell standing there. I thought at first it might be a waxwork – but then he started talking to me.”
Jason Gage, President of the Rotary Club of Coventry Jubilee said: “Everyone at the club is delighted that our Young Entertainer competition played a part in setting Reece on the road to stardom. His talent was obvious to all when he won the competition last year and he deserved this lucky break. We wish him all the very best of luck for his future career.”
Warren Offer, organiser of the show added: "It’s beyond our wildest dreams that someone would actually realise their potential and go on to grab this opportunity. In the past 10 months Reece was invited to perform at the Godiva in Coventry and the Firework party at the Butts Stadium and performed at the switch on of the Christmas lights in Coventry City centre.”
He added: “Our ultimate aim is that this competition becomes a national project, like the Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) Young Musician competition. If anyone would like information please get in touch with me.”
The Coventry Schools Young Entertainer competition is organised by the Rotary Club of Coventry Jubilee. It is aimed at giving young entertainers the opportunity to showcase their talent and is open to singers, dancers, bands, musical groups, musicians, acrobats and comedians. The main stipulation is that the act must be selected and put forward by a school.
This year’s event takes place at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on June 8th. 20 schools have already entered the competition which promises to be a spectacular show, with Reece returning to start the proceedings. Tickets for the show are available at the Belgrade Theatre Website.
For the full story of Reece’s amazing lucky break, check out the Coventry Evening Telegraph.
[youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg1ZLW0zvuA]
