Six Bath Spa students sang their hearts out at a recent University open mic night to impress an audience of talent scouts from hit TV show, The Voice UK.
The search for next year’s stars was held at Bath Spa University’s Michael Tippett Centre – home to a hive of music teaching activity and Bath’s only purpose-built concert hall.
The vocalists took it in turns to belt out their chosen tracks in front of professionals from the singing show’s talent-spotting team.
Each of the budding entertainers shares the same dream of being picked to audition live in front of a panel of celebrity coaches for what will be the show’s eighth series.
Suzanne Renaud-Betz, 20, who is in her first year of studying for a BA in Commercial Music gave her own unique rendition of the Pokémon Theme. She said: “As part of my course we were challenged to change the genre of a song and I wanted to do something nobody else would. That’s why I chose the Pokémon Theme.
“When I knew the talent scouts were going to be at the University I took it as a sign to take a leap of faith and make the most of the experience. I’m happy I did and would encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone once in a while.”
Second year BSc Psychology student Lauren Masterson, 24, who sang You Were Meant for Me by American singer-songwriter Jewel, said: “I’ve always liked singing but I’ve never performed in public until now so this was nerve-wracking but fun.
“Studying at Bath Spa has opened my eyes to the possibility of making a career out of singing. If I hadn’t plucked up the courage to sing for my spot on The Voice UK I know I would have regretted it, this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day.”
Eve Mortimer, 21, is a third year BA Creative Art and Drama student. She performed Riptide by Vance Joy and said: “I’ve been singing for a few years and enjoy participating in musical theatre through the University.
“I made a deal with my mum that I’d attend the open mic night and give it my all. I’m really glad I did and can’t wait to hear whether I’ve made it through.”
Talent scouts will be in touch with successful performers from Bath Spa University in the coming weeks. In the meantime, their search for next year’s outstanding singers continues as they travel through cities up and down the country.
Bath Spa’s Commercial Music course has a track record for producing exceptional entertainers in the music industry. The course takes students on a creative journey to inspire and define a lifelong career.
Students write original material alongside exploring identity, promotion and the wider music business.
Many Bath Spa graduates are signed artists while others work for record labels, in music publishing, in the entertainment business, or across the digital sector.
