Wearside songbird makes it to next round of national singing competition

A Sunderland songbird is soaring high after making her way into the next round for a national singing competition,
Open Mic finalist Marrianne HumeOpen Mic finalist Marrianne Hume
Open Mic finalist Marrianne Hume

Marrianne Hume impressed judges with her version of Whitney Houston’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ at the regional finals of the Open Mic 2016 challenge.

The 17-year-old, from East Herrington, had 32 family and friends cheering her on at the event, which was held at the Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre last month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Her proud mum, who is also called Marrianne, said: “She was amazing, we were all cheering for her.

“She had some amazing comment from the judges too, they said how she had a stunning voice.

“We’re all so proud of her. Marrianne often tackles big ballad numbers, Whitney is definitely one of her idols.

“She hopes one day she will be a performing artist herself.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Marrianne, who is studying A-level and B-tech music at the Bede campus of Sunderland College, will now be heading down to the northern area finals in Dewsbury on November 19.

If she’s lucky enough to make it through she will then be off the grand final at Birmingham’s NEC on January 28.

The teenager is also supported by her grandparents Marrianne and Norman Robson and she regularly sings at her grandfather’s care home, Bryony Park Nursing Home.

By carrying on with her singing, Marrianne is also fulfilling a promise to her late aunt Edna who told her to never give up on her dreams.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “I just love performing, I don’t really get that nervous because I just think it’s really fun and I enjoy it.

“I know what I’m singing at the area finals but I am going to be keeping a secret until then.”