18 January 2012
The panel on S4C’s new series Llais i Gymru (Voice for Wales) has revealed which four performers are one step closer to getting the chance to win a dream contract with Decca Records.
The four lucky singers are Trystan Llŷr Griffiths from Clunderwen, Rhiannon Herridge from Porthyrhyd, near Carmarthen , Lisa Angharad from Aberystwyth, and James Williams from Pontypridd.
On Tuesday 24 January 20:25, the singers will face their first vocal challenge and sing in front of an audience at St David's Hall, Cardiff. They will also receive voice sessions from singing teacher Ian Baar and record demo tracks in the Universal studio in London.
The panel looking for a ‘Voice for Wales’ includes talent agent Sioned James, and two music industry experts Mark Wilkinson and Tom Lewis from Decca Records.
“Surprisingly, we, as a panel, did not find it difficult choosing the final four,” says Sioned James. “Mark, Tom and I co-operate well and sing from the same hymn sheet as they say.
“These four names came up during our official and unofficial discussions time and time again, and it was an instinctive, natural decision without any disagreements at all.”
Throughout the series we get to know the successful four and follow them as they attempt to demonstrate to the panel that they deserve the contract which will launch their careers to the nation, and to the world.
The journey ahead of them will be exciting with more tasks and activities including image development and public performances and the whole series comes to a climax at a special musical showcase at the end of the series.
"The four have demonstrated passion, infectious enthusiasm and determination – these are certainly their strengths. They will be expected to embrace all the opportunities they're offered, and continue to do so if they are fortunate enough to be given the recording contract," explains Sioned.
"However, if they are unlucky, then this work with Decca will be a firm foundation as they move forward with their singing careers."
The final four are:
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths – 24 – Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire
Trystan went to study Music and Media at Trinity College University, before working at home for three years and now studies for a Masters degree in singing at London’s Royal Academy.
Rhiannon Herridge – 21 – Porthyrhyd, Carmarthen
Rhiannon sings classical music and studies at Conservatorio di Rossini in Italy for a year before returning to Manchester’s Royal Northern College to study Vocal and Opera Studies.
Lisa Angharad – 23 – Aberystwyth
Lisa went to Manchester University to study ‘Musical Theatre’. She now lives in Cardiff. Lisa presents S4C’s Ddoe am Ddeg programme.
James Williams – 29 – Pontypridd
The father-of-two, now aged 29, competed on the X Factor reality show in 2008, where he was mentored by the famous Dannii Minogue. He failed to reach the live shows but now he’s even closer to winning a record deal. He is also a former professional golfer.
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