Alexandra Burke's mum launches talent searchFeb 23 2010 By Emma Heseltine
COBHAM will have the X-Factor next month with a talent contest organised by the mum of winner Alexandra Burke.
Melissa Bell, whose daughter won the ITV talent show in 2008, will be raising money for charity with the 'Roc Da Mic' event at the Cobham Hilton, in Seven Hills Road on March 14.
She has roped in some of her famous friends – although they remain a secret – to help run the event, one of several around the country, to raise money for the British Kidney Foundation and the Marie Curie Cancer Charity.
The winner will receive £10,000 and a recording contract.
Melissa, a singer herself, said: "We are doing a talent show with a difference. The charities are very close to my heart, especially the kidney foundation as I am on dialysis myself.
"Everyone is welcome, from singers and musicians to dancers, rappers, poets and speakers, and we will give them lessons from professionals before their audition to give them a bit of a helping hand. Then they will have two shots at impressing the judges so the pressure isn't quite as high.
"I think with my experience in the music industry, as well as Alex's and her experience of the whole talent show process, we should be able to give entrants as much help as possible."
There is a small registration fee for anyone who wants to take part, which, once the cost of staging the event is covered, will be split between the two charities.
Melissa is hoping they can find the next big thing as they tour venues including London, Manchester, Liverpool and Cardiff, throughout March and April. She says that she has some big names for the judging panel, but cannot confirm these just yet – although Simon Cowell will not be involved.
Melissa added: "There are so many talented people who don't get the chance to have singing lessons, or a shot at a record deal. We can give them that and raise money for charity at the same time."
The organisers are hoping that if these events are a success, that they can set up a school to teach people to sing, dance and perform, and raise even more money for charity.
For more information on the talent competition, visit
www.rocdamic.co.uk.
http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-news/news-surrey/2010/02/23/alexandra-burke-s-mum-launches-talent-search-86289-25897272/
I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Author
