Michael Ball announces Olivia McShane winner of Archer Street's got talent

20 year old Olivia McShane takes the crown winning the coveted title as the ‘Voice of Soho’ and a very large £5000 cheque!
Michael Ball announces Olivia McShane winner of Archer Street's got talent picture

Last night was the Final of Archer Street’s Got Talent and what a final it was, with West End veteran Michael Ball joining the judging panel to share his years of wisdom with each of the contestants. Guests gathered around the stage downstairs at Archer Street Bar in Soho ready to hear the eight finalists battle it out with 20 year old Olivia McShane taking the crown winning the coveted title as the ‘Voice of Soho’ and a very large £5000 cheque, donated by Archer Street owner Siobhan Magill. The judges described her as a “jewel with a bright future and somebody we are sure to see in years to come.”

Michael Ball was bursting with excitement last night as he took his seat alongside fellow judges and industry professionals, West End star Brenda Edwards, Senior Executive Radio Producer/Editor Mike Hanson and X Factor Creative Director Tim Gething ready to discover the Voice of Soho. Michael Ball is one of UK’s most well known West End performers as well as a household name renowned for his credits including Les Misérables, Hairspray, Sweeney Todd, as well as part time co-host of TV show This Morning and a regular Sunday night presenter on BBC Radio 2.

Winner, London based Musician, Singer and Songwriter, Olivia McShane performed second in the evening with a stunning performance of Patty Griffin’s ‘Up To The Mountain’, which rendered the judges and audience speechless. When called to the stage for the results, she was taken aback with the announcement made by judge Michael Ball, humbly accepting the award and giving the household name a big hug. When asked by host Will Pecoe what she would use the money for, she quickly answered “to buyt a mandalin”, in addition “to producing an EP with my friend” – this is clearly a girl who lives and breathes music. She stated that “I truly love all genres of music, but have been most inspired by country, blues, gospel and folk rock music”, hence her stunning performance which was described by Michael Ball as a “beautifully pure country rendition” of the song originally written in honour of Martin Luther King.

Michael Ball said “the final decision was tough with such outstanding performances from each of the finalists.” These included Nikisha Reyes, Eeima Hargreaves, Daisy Tonge, Kerrianne Covell, Jo Worrow and which was whittled down to a final three, Rozzy T, Lulah and of course Olivia herself.

The audience were swept up in the evening’s excitement, with not only performances for the talented finalists but also West End star Brenda Edwards and British musician, Portia Emare. Guests cheered on each of the singers as they sipped on cocktails including the bar’s specially created Stardust cocktail, made with Bacardi Superior shaken hard with Maraschino, Fresh Lime and Pineapple Juice, Homemade Grenadine, garnished with a slice of Starfruit sprayed with edible chocolate gold.

Summing up the night Michael Ball said it “I’ve had an incredible evening and it was so positive to see just a taster of the undiscovered talent the UK has to offer. I hope this is just the start of Archer Street’s Got Talent and I hope to be back next year for another wonderful event”.

This article is connected to Archer Street
Published Apr 16, 2014