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Singer Chlea Maria Trinidad, pictured above, lit up the stage with her beautiful voice, winning her the title of Seef Junior Superstar and a recording opportunity with Outlaw Productions.
The 13-year-old student from the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) was one of the top 10 finalists competing in the annual talent show.
Her soulful rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing echoed throughout Seef Mall, attracting hordes of people to the staging area. It brought tears to the eyes of celebrity judge singer May Al Qasim and left comedian Imran Al Aradi and DJ Outalw of Outlaw Productions in awe of her performance.
Her father, Carlos, a surveyor, mother Myelne, a receptionist, and brother Chlemark, 16, were proud.
Mr Trinidad, from Gudaibiya, said: “I cannot begin to describe how proud I am of her. She was wonderful. She has competed in smaller events but this is the biggest and we are so happy that she did.”
Chlea practices every minute of the day whether it’s singing in the shower or while heading to school. Her dream is to become a professional like her favourite artists – the legendary Whitney Houston and X Factor US judge Demi Lovato.
Chlea said: “Singing is my passion and I started when I was three years old. I used to watch Whitney Houston’s videos and Demi Lovato and think I want to do that.
“To win was awesome and overwhelming. I was nervous at first but then I just went for it. I am going to continue singing in school and take part in more competitions.”
Her dreams are not far from reach as the little lady with a big voice is being snapped up by DJ Outlaw who has offered to spend time with her in the studio recording her first single.
Chlea also took home the grand prize of a BD1,000 gift card from Seef Mall. The runner-up was seven-year-old Turky Nawaf, who played the drums alongside a band and received a BD700 gift card. The Symbolics dance troupe tutted their way into third place and received a BD500 gift card. The finalists all received BD100 gift cards for participating.
Other highlights of the event featured judge May serenading the crowd with one of her hits and Arabs Got Talent contestant Hala Al Turk entertaining the kids.
More than 150 children, between the ages of five and 13, took part in the auditions with performances including magic tricks, painting, acting, singing, playing a musical instrument and dancing.
The judges had the difficult task of choosing 30 contestants and then it was up to the public to vote for their top 10.
Seef Properties general manager Robert Addison said: “I loved the entire competition and I loved seeing these children showcase their talent. We have seen how popular shows such as X Factor and Arabs Got Talent are and wanted to create something similar but geared towards children.
“We were stunned by the quality of talent on show and the confidence of these children. It has been a fantastic event which had the crowd on its feet, smiling and singing along.
“Everyone had so much fun. There is a lot of talent in the kingdom and we are looking forward to running this event again.”
