Rounds 4 & 5 of The Voice of Central & East Region Singing Competition took place on the 2nd & 3rd of December. On the 2nd, it was competitors from South & East Midlands Wing’s turn to woo the judges, with Norfolk & Suffolk Wing taking their place in the spotlight on the 3rd.
South & East Midlands Wing – 2nd December
Unfortunately the normal roster of judges was changed as Warrant Officer Roberts had recruited a stand in Judge – Squadron Leader Daniel Withnall, Regional Training Officer, to take his place for the evening.
The evenings singers started off with Cadet Katy-Rose Hyde, from 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron. She chose to sing the classic Elvis Presley song “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. A brilliant version, which she accompanied with a Ukulele. All four judges were impressed enough to vote for Cadet Hyde to join their team. After resisting temptation from Squadron Leader Withnall, she chose to be on Warrant Officer Eyre’s team for the Judges Cut.
The next competitor was Cadet Lily Dane of 2071 (Stamford) Squadron. Cadet Dane’s chosen song was “Don’t Stay Awake For Too Long” by Powfu. Her performance, and guitar playing impressed all four judges, and after the usual banter, opted to join Warrant Officer Hall’s team
Norfolk & Suffolk Wing – 3rd December
Back to our normal line-up of judges, this evenings first contestant was only the 2nd staff member to have entered the competition – Civilian Instructor Kirsty O’Connor from 222 (Broadlands) Squadron. CI O’Connor wowed the judges with her rendition of “At Last” by Etta James (and her very sparkly top!). She attracted votes from all the judges and decided to be on Warrant Officer Roberts team.
Cadet Sergeant Molly Bennett was next up. Sergeant Bennett is from 356 (Felixstowe) Squadron and chose “On My Own” from the musical Les Misérables. Two of the judges voted for her, both commenting on how well Sergeant Bennett had done with a very difficult song. Warrant Officer Hall made the best pitch and Sergeant Bennett chose to be on her team.
The evenings final competitor, Cadet Amy Simms from 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, was actually from South & East Midlands Wing but had been unable to join the previous evening due to technical issues. Cadet Simms sang “Three Million Years” by Amber Liu. All four judges quickly voted for her and all commented on how good her voice was. The judge that grabbed Cadet Simms for her team was Warrant Officer Hall.
We have now had five Wings compete and the quality of talent across the Region is really showing! It only remains for Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire Wing to compete on Sunday 6th December and we will have an amazing group of singers for the Judges Cut on the 13th December