A PACKED crowd of more than 450 watched singer Fallon sing her way to a £2,000 prize in the final of this year’s Search for a Star at the Austin Sports and Social Club.
The 29-year-old wowed the audience and judges with her version of Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights in a closely-fought contest which boasted everything from popular music, soul and swing to songs from the shows and even opera.
Fallon only really started singing publicly at the age of 21 when she got up to take part in karaoke which had become a bit of a family tradition. Unbeknown to her it was a competition and she ended up winning first prize.
The Birmingham songstress then went on to win online talent contest Brit Idol in 2012.
But she said, despite those previous successes, she was in a state of shock at claiming the Search for a Star crown.
After being presented with her award she told The Standard: “I’m absolutely speechless – when I entered this competition, I didn’t even expect to make the semi-finals or final, let alone win it.
“The talent tonight was phenomenal and the crowd were amazing – they’re so happy to support everyone on stage and it makes a real difference.”
The victory comes just as she’s about to embark on her first cruise ship run of shows with Scoundrels – the band she fronts.
She has also been working on an album of self-penned reggae, R’n’B and pop songs.
In second place on the night, earning a £1,000 prize, was local girl Sophie Thompson from Rubery.
She said: “I’m really pleased with the outcome of my evening – the standard of talent tonight was really high and everyone did themselves justice.”
And she had plenty of praise for those working behind the scenes on Search for a Star.
“I love taking part in this competition – it’s so well organised and provides a great platform for local talent as well as some fantastic entertainment.”
Sophie is currently studying at the Birmingham School of Acting and, as well as focusing on that, she said she would be ‘singing as much as possible and when she could’.
“I’ll definitely be back again next year,” she added.
Crooner Andy Lee finished third, winning £500, and Faye Horne who finished fourth and scooped £250, has to be credited with the most thought-out stage show. She performed some clearly well-rehearsed routines with two backing dancers and undertook a number of costume changes, alternating from black and sparkly dresses to sportswear to complement the songs she performed.
Other highlights of the evening included two breath-taking performances of Nessun Dorma, the opera piece made famous by the Italia 90 World Cup.
