A dream come true as Naomi goes from Italian stage to The Toy Show

Eleven-year-old Naomi reached the Grand Final of the Tour Music Fest in San Marino Italy last Sunday. She was initially one of 10 singers chosen from thousands of hopefuls from all across Europe to compete in the finals of the competition, which is the largest European contest for emerging artists. She was the only singer from Ireland chosen for the competition in her category and the youngest.

The Our Lady's Grammar School pupil has made a name for herself through her Facebook Page 'Naomis Music Page' and as a busker in Belfast.

When Naomi and her family travelled to San Marino for the competition the Italians held their semi-final and six of them were added to Naomi's category to make it 16 in total competing for a place in the Grand Final.

Four were chosen with Naomi amongst them – the enormity of that achievement evident as she was the only singer from the UK to make it through.

“She didn't take home the win as it was given to an Italian boy, but she feels extremely lucky to have been in the last four out of thousands from all across Europe,” explained Naomi's proud mum Lorna.

“She attended master classes while there and has made some amazing friends for life. The talent over there so unbelievable and she was truly honoured to be among it,” she added.

“The week before we left she got a call from RTE who asked her if she would be in the Toy Show and represent Northern Ireland in the County Parade. What a shock it was! A dream come true for any Irish girl.

"She is singing along with two others from different counties. She's so excited – from taking on an international stage in Italy to the biggest show of the year in Ireland.”