SINGOFF 2022
The 2022 singOFF was an incredible success , with the much-anticipated event easily living up to the standards of last year ’ s show .
Emma Dulerayn and Zhamilya Pazylkhair , the opening acts , set a high bar with their impressive vocal ranges , which was certainly met by the night ’ s next performer and eventual winner , Amity Miller . Amity put in a brave , personal performance of ‘ Ragdoll ’, a touching original which jerked tears from the audience and judges and revealed incredible songwriting skills and vocal depth .
Next , Louis Dunn and Raakavi Rajaseelan put in equally suave performances of Adele ’ s ‘ I Drink Wine ’ and Amy Winehouse ’ s ‘ Take the Box ’ respectively . Gemma Bianco displayed her excellent stage presence in a standout musical theatre performance of ‘ Not for the Life of Me ’ from Thoroughly Modern Millie to win the judges ’ first runner-up spot . Odette Mead followed , performing the hit ‘ What ’ s Up ?’, a song which gained praise from the judges for its technicality .
The age range of this year ’ s final was wide , with competitors spanning all three sections of the school : Malachy Trotter ( Year 8 ) was the competition ’ s first Lower School finalist in five years ! The audience loved his talented performance as guitarist and singer , earning him the evening ’ s other runner-up spot .
Matt Dawkins also accompanied himself on guitar in an intimate rendition of ‘ When You Love Someone ’. Performances from Mneme Sivasetthi and Adèle de Saab finished this showcase of impressive talent on a high . There was a wonderful atmosphere , with immense audience support for each act , clapping along to the upbeat songs , torch-waving to the more melancholy performances , and many standing ovations .
The evening was perfectly rounded up by a duet from the organisers , PJ Birt and Erika Chan ; thank you both for your efforts which ensured the event ran perfectly and raised invaluable funds for West Kent Mind . A further thank you to the four judges : Dr Ives , Mr White , Mr Alex Smith and Miss Hamilton . Their technical comments and praise for all the contestants was greatly appreciated and added a sense of professionalism to the evening . Finally , very well done to Amity Miller for winning the 2022 singOFF .
Morven White , Upper Sixth
56 MUSIC REVIEW