Tuesday, May 6, 2003

Eighteen year old Ryan Smith from Croydon has won the UK final of the Yates's Wannabe 'Search For a Star' pop contest. Appearing last Sunday in Leicester Square, Ryan sang his rendition of Missy Elliott's 'Work It', and Ms Dynamite's 'It Takes More' for the 1000 strong crowd.

Ryan had to win four heats before reaching the final of the Yates's contest, which included around 700 events at 80 venues around the UK with a total 12,000 competitors. Judges included Carrie Grant (Fame Academy and Pop Idol), Scott Robinson (Five), and Keavy Lynch (B*Witched). They agreed Ryan's got what it takes to make the British pop scene and their decision wins Ryan £10,000 in cash, a VIP week living in London with a limousine plus a recording session.

A modest Ryan claimed afterwards he couldn't believe he'd won and thanked his family for their support. Well done Ryan.

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