Singer-songwriter Ella Shaw wowed judges on Britain’s Got Talent as she laid down a soulful track in the live finals last night.
The 18-year-old, who studies Creative Music at Salford City College’s FutureSkills centre, was backed by a gospel choir as she sung a version of Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good) – something even she admits was “a big risk”.
But she needn’t have worried, as Simon Cowell urged her on, saying she had “a real star quality”, while Alesha Dixon told the teenager she was “an incredible songwriter”.
Ella’s own audition track ‘Summertime’ got her through to the live finals – with four yes’s from the judges and a standing ovation from the crowd.
The song has already had half a million views on Youtube.
Since her audition was aired, Ella has gained a following of dedicated fans, known as ‘Shawies’.
FutureSkills Head of Centre Jason Turton said: “We are all so proud of Ella, and are glad that the judges recognised how talented and hardworking she is.
“Everyone at the college is really rooting for her.”
