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Video: East Leeds Got Talent 2009 highlights
It was a night of divas, dance and drama as a corner of east Leeds put on its own version of TV's biggest talent contest.
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East Leeds Got Talent was organised by teen talent scout and Simon Cowell wannabe David Joyce to find the city's own Susan Boyle, Diversity or George Sampson.
David, 16, a sixth form pupil at Boston Spa School in Wetherby, had set himself a personal mission to hunt out Leeds's future stars.
And after some top-notch performances at the glitzy final at Swarcliffe Working Men's Club, 15-year-old singer Ryan Smith won with his note perfect performance of Break Even by The Script.
In fact, the evening could have been re-named 'East Leeds Got TEEN Talent' after a host of young performers dominated the show.
David was on the judging panel which included Wakefield-based singer songwriter Karl Johnson.
David said after the contest: "It was hectic and exhausting but it all paid off in the end.
"I am really happy with how it all went but I think I am going to rest for a year now!
"It took six months to organise with lots of letters and phone calls but it was worth it.
"The best person definitely won – Ryan was the best there because he played guitar as well – all the judges agreed he was the top choice."
A music-heavy final saw a host of singers and dancers take to the stage.
The divas ruled much of the show, with several female singers belting out their own versions of classics by Beyonce, Pink and Queen.
Second place went to Kelly Richardson, who impressed with her powerful version of Beyonce's Listen. And girls' dance duo StereoHype came third.
Winner Ryan, who is doing his GCSEs at the David Young Community Academy and lives in Seacroft, said after his triumph: "I am chuffed – it still hasn't sunk in.
"I only started singing a year ago.
"I am big fan of shows like Britain's Got Talent and the X Factor anyway so I am over the moon."
Ryan is hoping to develop a career as a singer-songwriter.
David launched his search for the best stage performers in east Leeds earlier this year, attracting entries from scores of showbiz hopefuls ranging in age from eight to 77.
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