SINGING student Paddy Wilde is now hoping the public’s vote will put him through to the final of a TV singing competition.
Paddy, 12, from Waterfoot, has been appearing on the CBBC show Got What It Takes for the past eight weeks.
On each programme eight young singers have a chance of winning a spot in the end of programme sing off by performing well in a different music industry task, everything from clothing to writing their own songs.
Then it is down to the mums to secure the final place by undertaking a challenge of their own.
Haslingden High School Year 8 student Paddy spent three weeks filming in London in the summer with his mum Diane Wilde, who runs her own hair salon Wilde Designs in Waterfoot.
He won through to two sing offs and his mum secured him another two places when she became a zorb ball and wore a teddy bear outfit for a musical chairs-type game.
Although he didn’t win an automatic final place, Paddy is still in with a chance when next Wednesday March 2, he will be singing once more for one of three other places in the final.
After the programme, there will be just 24 hours for people to vote with lines closing at 5pm next Thursday.
His mum has printed Vote For Paddy posters and flyers that have been distributed all over Rossendale by salon clients.
He was scouted by researchers after a YouTube video of him performing at an anti-bullying conference was posted by his mum.
And since appearing on the show he has also sung in a Knightsbridge restaurant and bar where he got a standing ovation.
Paddy said: “I think it is harder to sing in front of just eight mums and a camera crew than it is to perform in front of a big audience.
“I am also going to be singing on Monday in front of my old school St Anne’s in Edgeside at the assembly in the church.”
It was joining the choir at St Anne’s that got Paddy interested in singing and he now has weekly coaching sessions from Rachel Spencer and also attends the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop on Saturdays.
Diane said: “It was really nice for me and Paddy to spend so much time together and my clients have been so good and very supportive. My staff have also been fantastic because I had to have three weeks off.
“Appearing in the show has been good for Paddy’s confidence and unlike others on the show he does not come from a musical background and he is not already at a performance school.
“It has got him noticed and has helped to get his name known.
“There were hundreds who applied, only 50 were interviewed and he got one of just eight places.
“Whatever happens, I am immensely proud of him.”
The winner gets to sing at the Radio One Big Weekend in Exeter in May.
Pics c/o CBBC