Sarah Pollin




Chantal Maltby

IT WAS a case of girl power at the last semi-final of Talent Trail 2008. All nine contestants who performed in front of the 200-strong crowd at the Walton Street Club in west Hull, were female.

But it was college student Sarah Pollin who stole the show. The 18-year-old, of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, was awarded full marks by three of the five judges.

Her set comprised The Hand That Leads Me, by Jane McDonald, Blue, by LeAnn Rimes, and This Is The Moment, from the Jekyll and Hyde musical.

Before the show, Sarah told the Mail: “When I am performing I can escape the stress of college and other pressures.”

Afterwards, she spoke of her delight at getting through; “I am ecstatic, but I am more shocked than anything. When I sing it is just me. I don’t particularly think I am better than anyone else. But people tell me I am good and I love singing, so I just get up and do it.”

Sarah said she was looking forward to the final. She said: “I don’t really get nervous on stage. I don’t think I will be petrified and shaking.”

Joining her in the final will be another student, Chantal Maltby, of Bridlington. The 18-year-old, who is studying at Scarborough College, is tipped to get top marks in her forthcoming A-level music exam. Based on her performance, it was easy to see why.

Her renditions of Beautiful, by Christina Aguilera, and Chasing Pavements, by Adele, were superb. But it was a song she wrote herself that really impressed the judges and cemented her place in the final. Called Hard Times, it was written for a close friend of Chantal’s, whose mother had passed away.

Chantal said: “I got through to the semi last year, so it is an amazing step for me. My friend will be really pleased I got through to the final with that song.”

But Chantal admitted the thought of performing in front of hundreds in the final was daunting.

“It does scare me,” she said. “But I will try to hold it together on the night. I will keep focused.”

The other contestants were Amy Leigh, Amy Ray, Ashleigh Taylor, Donna Marie, K-Lee, Lisa and Sophie Jo.

Organiser Liz Hugill said: “All the semi-finals have been very well supported. We look forward to the grand final.”

The final, which will see 10 contestants going head-to-head takes place on Thursday, May 1 at Hull City Hall. The winner will receive a £2,000 cash prize and the Talent Trail
trophy.

Tickets cost £7 and can be booked by calling (01482) 226655.

Amy Leigh

Amy Ray

Ashleigh Taylor

Donna Marie

K-Lee

Lisa

Sophie Jo