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TEENAGE singing sensation Elena Shokry recently hit the high note and achieved competition success at the second time of asking and hopes it will be one giant step to realising her Broadway ambition.
The 13-year-old student from the French School of Bahrain has been singing since the age of eight and her dream is to one day become a professional vocalist and perform in musicals and plays.
She said: “I like classical songs and songs that can show my vocal range. I also love to perform numbers that also show my ability to act and move on stage.”
She has already starred in several school plays such as Peter Pan and The Lion King and was selected to play the lead role in The Music Is Here to Stay, written by her English teacher.
“Hopefully I have many concerts to come. I will continue to work on improving my vocals and will try to enter as many competitions as possible,” she added.
Elena recently tasted success in the Seef Mall talent show captivating the crowd of shoppers and supporters with her soulful voice, winning the contest and walking away with a BD1,000 gift voucher.
Seef Junior Superstars Season 2 featured more than 160 youngsters, aged five to 13, showcasing their creative skills including singing, dancing, gymnastics and acting.
She was one of the 160 participants competing in the annual competition.
She stole the judges’ hearts with her sweet rendition of I Whistle a Happy Tune from the classic movie The King and I, sealing her spot in the top 30.
The judges – comedian Imran Al Aradi, producer DJ Outlaw and singer Carol Souki – were moved by her vocal range and on-stage presence. Her performances also charmed the public, who in return voted for her to make it in the Top 10 finale.
The Egyptian-Spanish singer had participated in last year’s event, making it to the semi-finals. Elena said: “Although I didn’t make it through to the final the first time I had so much fun and learned a lot. But this year was amazing. It was a dream come true.”
In the final, she sang a medley of songs in Arabic, French and English. She got everyone on their feet when she delivered a riveting rendition of You’re the One I Want from the hit movie Grease and then had the crowd swaying to Edith Piaf’s La vie en Rose. She then lit the stage with a song by French/Egyptian singer Dalida entitled Helwa Ya Balady (beautiful my country).
The trendy teen idolises artists such as Adele, KT Tunstall, the late Whitney Huston and Oum Kalthoum.
However, while she may look up to these famous names, she is inspired by her mother Faten El-Gredly, a ballet teacher and jewellery designer.
Elena said: “My mum is talented and creative. She judges ballet and dance competitions and she also designs beautiful jewellery. While we have many family members in different fields of art, I got my artistic talent from her.”
Proud mum Mrs El-Gredly said: “Elena is very committed to her art, she loves singing everywhere and all the time. She knows exactly what she wants to do in her life and that is to sing.”
