Soulful singer triumphs
Natalie Chan from International Christian School was crowned queen this year at the annual Supernova singing contest. Co-organised by Diocesan Boys' School and Red Vocal Academy, the inter-school competition featured top local singing talents.
Chan and 15 other performers made it through the first round and semi-finals - which featured more than 200 contestants - last Tuesday at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai.
Film producer Charlie Wong, singer Maggie Fu, lyricist Keith Chan and music teacher Phoebus Chan were the judges.
The 3,000 spectators were treated to dazzling performances by the 16 finalists.
In between, The Show Choir HK, pop star Hins Cheung, singer-composer Endy Chow and Adason Lo, the winner of the Asian Million Star music talent show on ATV, entertained the crowd.
Chan, 15, said she had not expected to win. 'I am really surprised but am also proud of myself,' the student said. 'I never thought I'd make it this far. This was the first time I had performed in front of such a big crowd and I'm so glad I made it through!'
In the finals, Chan performed Rolling In The Deep, a soulful bluesy number by British singer Adele.
The student's powerful rendition of the challenging song earned her a spot in the grand finale with four other singers.
There, Chan sang The Voice Within by US pop diva Christina Aguilera, earning high praise from the judges.
Chan said she chose the two songs to showcase her voice.
'I did feel a lot of pressure when I had to decide which songs to perform,' she conceded.
'I knew there was a possibility that either I would make it through the songs or I might crack when reaching the high notes.'
