Otto Roll - Otis

Ashleigh Taylor

A SOULFUL performance paid off for the latest
Talent Trail heat winner.
Otto Roll, who performed
under his stage name Otis, wowed judges with three
numbers and was crowned winner of heat six.
Otto, 57, of west Hull,
performed Lovely Day, by Bill Withers, Just the Way You Are, by Billy Joel, and Love Train, by O’Jays.
Otto, a civil servant, said he was thrilled with his ticket through to the semi-finals.
He said: “I feel terrific, really fantastic. I didn’t think I stood much of a chance, so it’s great.”
Also looking forward to performing in the semi-finals was runner-up Ashleigh Taylor, of Withernsea.
Ashleigh, 17, who is studying musical theatre at Hull College, performed Holding Out For A Hero, by Bonnie Tyler, Crazy Chick, by Charlotte Church, and Because You Loved Me, by Celine Dion.
Ashleigh said: ”I feel shocked
really about getting through. I didn’t think I would, but I’m really excited.”

Also performing at the
Chambers Club, in Holderness Road, was Kerrie Lou Leamon.
Kerrie, 35, who works at the club, had less time than most to feel nervous after a friend entered her in the competition, revealing the surprise just hours before the event started.

Kerrie, of Bransholme,
performed No More The Fool, by Elkie Brooks, Sometimes When We Touch, by Newton, and I Who Have Nothing, by Shirley Bassey.
Jean Dent, 66, of east Hull, entering Talent Trail for a third year, performed Diana, by Paul Anka, You Made Me Love You, by Nat King Cole, and Blue Moon, by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
She said: “I like singing and
entering the competition. It keeps me occupied.”
Dave Wright, 55, of west Hull, showed off his talents as a professional musician with renditions of Old Time Rock And Roll, by Bob Seger, the Living Years, by Mike and the Mechanics, and Bat Out Of Hell, by Meatloaf.
He said: “I enjoy being on stage, so I thought I’d give it a go.”
Rounding off the performances was Barry Eccles, performing
under the stage name Baza.
Baza, 48, of Hessle Road, west Hull, performed Gold, by Spandau Ballet, Love Is All, by Malcolm Roberts, and You Gave Me A Mountain, by Elvis Presley,
which he dedicated to his wife.
Baza, a washing machine engineer, said: “I’ve entered twice before a few years ago and always enjoyed myself so I thought I’d enter again.

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Kerrie Lou Leamon



Jean Dent



Dave Wright



Barry Eccles - Baza