Double delight for Hartlepool singers

Danielle Parker and Erin Gallagher-Smith took part in the 1 Voice competition which is run by the charity Red Dreams in the town.

The competition is open to anyone who loves to sing and there is one winner crowned in each category.

The performing arts academy MTA had students entered in the 8-15 category and the 16-24 category and MTA founder Toni Parker-Harvey said: “It was a clean sweep for MTA.”

Erin was the crowned the winner of 8-15 year category with her rendition of Memory from the musical Cats.

It’s a busy period for Erin who also sang at the Hartlepool fireworks display.

And Danielle was crowned the winner of 16-24 year category.

Toni said: “Danielle had to sing two songs. She sang her own version of Everybody’s Free and also Dream Girls musical hit One Night Only.”

She added: “Danielle is no stranger to winning performances. Last year she made it through to judges auditions on Britain’s Got Talent and got 4 yes-es from the judges.

As part of the prize, the girls will be performing at the Hartlepool Christmas light switch on as well as a photo shoot and a recording session.

Toni added: “I am extremely proud of both of the girls. It is great that their hard work has paid off.

“All of our students had an amazing time at the competition and that’s what it is about.

“I am looking forward to seeing them perform at the Christmas light switch on and I know MTA will be behind them 100% of the way.”

Erin’s mum Keely Smith said: “Erin decided to enter the 1 Voice competition at Red Dreams after seeing it advertised locally. She has competed and performed at various other venues in the region and thought it would be a great opportunity to perform in front of a different audience. She decided to sing Memory from Cats the musical as she has been learning it in her lessons with her singing teacher Toni Parker-Harvey.

“She was overjoyed with the result and is looking forward to her prizes.”