Young singing star Naomi to compete on European stage

Naomi was one of 10 chosen from thousands of hopefuls from all across Europe. She is the only one from Ireland in her category and the youngest.

The Our Lady's Grammar school pupil has been singing for half of her life and at just 12 years of age that means she has been plugging away for the past six years.

While her mum Lorna says Naomi was singing in her crib long before that and it was evident that she had a gift, things really took off for her last year when she began busking in Belfast.

“I regularly busk in Belfast city centre when I'm free from school,” Naomi told the Newry Reporter.

“I've been singing since I was six years old but I have only been busking from last summer. I absolutely love singing. My nanny and grandad where both country singers so I think I got it from them. I love all types of music from pop to country to musical theatre.”

Naomi had been making a name for herself since she began to post videos on social media and set up 'Naomis music page' on Facebook which has over 44k followers and where some of her songs have gone viral. It was through her page that Naomi heard about this competition.

“For the European music contest one of my followers tagged me in it on social media so we sent in a tape,” she explained.

“After that I had a zoom call with them and then I advanced to the next stage and I had to travel to London. I got to meet some industry professionals on the panel while there and it was a very fun experience.”

She sang live in front of the panel and her song was recorded.

“I was very shocked to learn that out of thousands who auditioned I was picked as a finalist. There are 10 in my category and I'm the only one from Ireland,” she said.

Naomi is excited to be heading off to San Marino this week to compete, with the final taking place on Sunday.

“Along with the final, there are master classes available for all of the artists to take part in which will enhance my skills going forward.”

It seems like a lot of pressure for a 12 year old but Naomi has plenty of confidence to go with her talent and has a lot of experience in local productions and at her school where she played the lead role of Charlie in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' last year.

“My singing teacher is Fiona Flynn from Flynn Performing Arts. She has helped me with my song and different techniques which I'm so grateful for.”

Taking to the streets of Belfast busking solo is also something that builds confidence, so excitement is Naomi's overriding emotion heading off to Italy.

“I don't really get nervous because I just love singing so much. I'm so excited to stand on an international stage and sing for them. I'm also excited to meet other singers who love the same thing I do.”

But the song she has chosen to sing remains to be seen.

“The song I will be singing in San Marino is a secret as we aren't allowed to say what it is yet,” she explained.

And the prestige of this competition is evident by those involved. On the judging panel are Kara DioGuardi who was a judge for American Idol and has collaborated with artists like Pink and Christiana Aguilera . Another judge is producer Mylious Johnson who has worked with Pink, Destiny's Child, Jessica Simpson and many more.

“I feel very lucky to get this opportunity and experiences so no matter the outcome I'm just happy to be a part if it all.”

Naomi's mum and dad are making the journey with her to Italy and are extremely proud of their daughter and everything she has achieved in the past few years..

“She doesn't just use her page or her talent for herself she also uses her talent to help others,” said Lorna.

“Just last year she took to the streets to raise money for a local man and managed to raise just under £1000. She's planning on doing the same again this year but we haven’t decided on a charity just yet,

“She’s over the moon to have gotten to this stage of the competition and is just so excited for the experience. We as her parents are so proud of her, she deserves to shine!”