A Year 7 student had the chance to sing for 80s pop star Sinitta at the weekend – and has been invited to perform with her at the upcoming West Park Party festival in July.
Rio, 11, has been singing since she was five years old and after winning some local talent contests, wanted to show Sinitta what she could do.
She could not have imagined that the ‘Macho Man’ singer would have been so blown away by her talents, that she would ask her to perform alongside her and pass her details onto Simon Cowell.
Rio said, “It was really scary to perform in front of someone like Sinitta but very exciting.
“She was so surprised when she heard my voice, and really impressed too. She has offered to mentor me and was asking me if I had an agent or a manager.
“I can’t believe I’ll be singing in front of such a large audience with her. She’s left her details with me and she’ll be organising some more singing lessons and helping me with stage choreography.
“She also said she’ll be showing Simon Cowell the video, which is unbelievable.”
Rio has been singing since she was a little girl and it was her dad who first noticed her powerful voice.
Her favourite songs to sing are power ballads – anything from Celine Dion to Beyonce – and she has previously won three local competitions.
West Park Party is taking place on Saturday 11th July, currently featuring established acts like Toploader, Ella Eyre, Union J and Labrinth. The event will also showcase local acts, including Year 11 pupil Emmie, who has performed at Hull City Hall, the KC Stadium and Princes Quay.
Take a look at Rio's performance in front of Sinitta below: