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Previous winners include Birdy!

Live music in Yorkshire as Open Mic UK went on the search for talent as singers took to the stage last weekend. The live music competition has provided feedback for the best unsigned musicians in Yorkshire, the North and the North East.

Successful contestants in Yorkshire performed at Dewsbury Town Hall, Yorkshire in front of a large crowd and the Open Mic UK industry experts. Judges included vocal coaches, music journalists and A&R managers. The singing competition feedback on selected acts can be seen below.

Judging the unsigned musicians in Yorkshire were Jenny Eells from BBC York Introducing, D:Ream singer/songwriter Pete Cunnah, Head of Future Music Chris Grayston, Rydah Straughn, an Urban Coco Magazine writer and performer who has supported the likes of Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk,Asher Halle from Green Pepper Junction Records, founder of Harmony Music School Aubrey Robinson,and Head of A&R at Future Music Ben Price.

Find industry feedback below. Please be aware views expressed by judges are opinions and subjective to that particular judging panel. These views in no way reflect the views of Open Mic UK, and are published with a view to being beneficial to the performing acts. Please take the feedback on board with a view to helping in the future.

Live Music in Yorkshire - Feedback for the 17-22 age category

Laura P– Deep, soulful, stunning voice. Nice cover choice and a decent original. Like the individual image. She has star quality and the ability to engage without trying. Piano playing is just awesome.

Daniel Welsh– There could have been more effort made with the image. A great voice, but he needs more confidence in his ability. Backing dancers were a little distracting and often too far away from front of the stage.

Peter Skeen– Very engaging performer with hypnotic vocals. Nice original material. Not sure about the cover which wasn’t the best song choice to bring energy to Peter’s obvious vocal ability. I’ve seen better before from Peter, but still very good.

Louise Devlin– A great quality to her voice. Seems to have conquered her problems with nerves quite a lot but still felt like she was holding back. Try to incorporate more movement and expression in your arms.

Arun– A bit over-dramatic in the song intro. Stage well worked. Big voice. Would have preferred to hear a contemporary cover to learn what you can offer moving forward.

Ryan Gilpin– A bit gimmicky. Could be forgiven for that if it was a good song choice. A likeable character but should have just been himself and let his ability do the talking rather than the gimmick.  

Libby Alice– First song a little safe and sleepy. Good tempo change into the 2^nd song.  Original song was amazing and showcased your talent perfectly. You really connected to the music and the audience. Great voice. Well done!

Ashwin Thomas– Nice image and nice original song. Cover was a tribute rather than an arrangement which defined his personality. A slower stripped down version would have worked better. A really good vocalist.

Rachel-Leah Stock– Vocal had a strong theatrical accent. Performance was generally strong, although she missed a few early notes. Wished she’d used the stage during both songs. Liked the cover arrangement although it would have been even better if sung a little higher.

Jacob Scott William– Why pick such a dated song? Dated image too. You have a great voice just update the act and you have something to work with.

Live Music in Yorkshire – Further feedback

Mac– You brought a freshness to the show and engaged with the audience well. A few of the sung notes were off tune, so work on pitching. Remember to keep performing during instrumentals and make full use of the stage.

Jess Wilson– Looks the part and has a great, powerful voice. She really engaged well with her performance - transfixing. A more current cover would have worked better.

Misha Malcolm– Love the image. Would have preferred to hear a more challenging song this was a little safe. You have a big, soulful voice with great depth, but can’t help feel there was more to show.

Rosie Shann– Again, a dated cover choice. It’s hard to stand out in a big show with a number like this. Fantastic voice but the act needs updating. You looked like you enjoyed yourself though, and made good use of the stage.

Georgette Hill– Individual look. Nice accompaniment. Nice enough original but it needed more hooks. Could have expressed the song more in your body. You have a beautiful voice but the whole performance needed more oomph.

Bella– Nice arrangement of the song and nice harmonies. Your vocals were on point and satisfied the ears! Your image needs updating slightly to bring more edge and make you more marketable. Harmonies can be softer in places as it was a little harsh at times.

La Voix– Brave to do a lesser known cover. Come to the front of the stage earlier. Excellent vocals but maybe a more harmonised approach would work better.

Emma Jane Fearnley– Rehearse! You appeared to forget the words. Nice image but dress could be updated. You have a terrific voice so come to the front of the stage and let us engage with you.

Chloe and Chris– Never sure about backing track and electric instruments together. Rock song, rock image, but no rock performance. A perfect song to work the crowd and it didn’t happen.

Alicia and Becky– More chemistry needed on stage - you stand too far apart. You both have big, beautiful voices individually, but try and build up some harmonies as this will be your strength. The song choice wasn’t the best - we need to hear something current. This was a bit disco. Try to work the stage a little more.

The guest act for the day was Hatty Keane, who treated the crowds to her brilliant trademark performances.

Live Music in Yorkshire, Enter Now!

All successful acts at the North and North East Area Final will now be performing in the live Grand Final at London’s O2 on 21^st January. Come along to see the best unsigned talent!

Don’t miss your chance to perform in front on industry professionals! You can enter Open Mic UK now!