Singing sensation Nick Celino is ready to give his latest work its Newcastle debut – after getting the backing of one of Britain’s best-loved musicians.
Nick, who shot to superstardom after wowing Britain’s Got Talent judges with his incredible voice and hair in 2014, was contacted by Jools Holland when he heard his rendition of his track ‘Waiting Game’.
Now Nick, 21, will perform the track, written but unreleased by Jools – famous for his TV shows and band Squeeze – at the forthcoming Smile for a Night Variety Show on Sunday 2nd October in aid of Smile For Life Children’s Charity.
Nick, from Heaton, said: “I absolutely love Jools Holland and was amazed when I found out my manager had connected with him. We looked through a few of his songs and just stumbled across ‘Waiting Game’.
“We started playing around with it and before we knew it we had recorded a new track.
“My manager sent it to Jools, and he sent me a letter back saying he thought I had a super voice and wished me well with the track, he said that it was really different.
“Now I have got his blessing, I am going to give it its debut when I perform at Smile For A Night Variety Show, which I can’t wait to do.
“I performed last year at the first variety show and it was such an incredible experience and I am sure it will be brilliant again this time around.”
As well as ‘Waiting Game’, Nick plans to debut new single ‘Out of my Mind’ at the family event, which will raise funds to help disabled and disadvantaged young people in the north-east.
He is set to release a debut album early in 2017 after he signed for music giants Kobalt Music, who have stars including Paul McCartney, Lionel Ritchie and Kelly Clarkson on their books.
Nick added that he was especially keen to perform again because of the respect and admiration he has for the Gosforth-based charity, who help disabled and disadvantaged young people across the north-east.
Nick added: “I absolutely love the charity. They are so different to what is out there and make such a difference locally to the lives of people who need their help.
“I have met many of the people the charity help – at the show last year and when I have visited their Café Beam – and I can’t wait to see them all again.”
Nick will share the stage with another eight acts at the event, which takes place at the Tyne Theatre and is hosted by panto legends Danny Adams and Clive Webb.
Performers include comedian Lee Ridley aka The Lost Voice Guy, aerial acrobats Phoenix Felicis, as well as dance troupes and local choirs.
Smile For Life chief executive Paula Gascoigne said: “Nick was such a hit with everyone last year and we can’t wait for him to perform his new songs this time around.
“We have a bunch of really talented acts from all across the spectrum and hope that people come along in their droves to see them and support our charity.
“Smile For A Night was our biggest single fundraising event to date and hopefully it will be just as successful this time around.”
Tickets are now on sale at £10 for adults, £7.50 for concessions. Family tickets are £30 and groups of nine get a tenth free when bought together. Call the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Booking Line on 0844 2491 000 or go to www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk