Powerful nine-year-old singer Kai wins North West Talent Show at the University of Bolton!

A nine-year-old boy from Chorley won the North West Talent Show at the University of Bolton.

Kai Berry sang the Lady Gaga song Shallow and then wowed the judges in a sing-off with his acapella version of Whitney Houston's I Am Nothing.

Kai said after his victory: "Wow! I can't believe I won! I really didn't think I would be the winner; thank you so much."

The University, in conjunction with Media M, organised the spectacular event, which saw talented performers from across the region take to the stage in front of around 300 guests in the Social Learning Zone.

Kai will receive the opportunity to be recorded singing at the award-winning Astar Studios in Manchester and support from the University and Media M to help him launch his singing career.

The newly installed Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub, and the Mayoress, Zaibun Nisa.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: "As part of our commitment to the local community, we were delighted to host this talent show to give a chance for people from Bolton and beyond from our diverse communities to show off what they can do to a wider audience.

"The evening was a great success, and the performers' success translates to our success. I am keen on helping people from all our communities reach their potential."

Professor Zubair Hanslot, Provost of the University of Bolton, said: "It was a fantastic event, and everyone was blown away by the standard on display.

"The young winner, Kai, is a polite, unassuming lad with the voice of a lion! He was amazing."

Judges on the night were:

• * Marcus Nisar, founder of Media M, who has a background in the entertainment industry, organising college events and hosting fashion shows
• * Hussnain Lahore, a British singer-songwriter of Indo-Pak heritage, who was born in Lahore and raised in London
• * Aashana Kaur, one half of the dancing duo SonAash, a versatile and multi-talented individual who is also a former Miss India winner
• * Mani Liaqat, a multi-talented artist who has made his mark in the entertainment industry as an actor, comedian, and host
• * Billie Luke - Principal of Shockout Arts - Dance Academy Manchester.
• * Kelvin Fletcher- 2019 Strictly Come Dancing Winner, Actor and Racing Driver