Talented Mackenzie, 13, takes big step on the road to stardom (From Watford Observer)

Talented Mackenzie, 13, takes big step on the road to stardom

2:00pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig, Features Writer

A Bushey schoolgirl is reaching for the stars, after making the regional final of a singing competition.

Mackenzie Kavanagh, of Merry Hill Road, took to the stage of Watford club Highlight on Sunday, September 2, to perform in contest Open Mic UK.

The competition is aimed at finding the UK’s best singers, songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who can perform either covers or original songs.

Mackenzie, an accomplished musician, said she was unfazed as she sang and played piano to the crowd of about 100.

Performing her own original material, the 13-year-old was selected by a panel of industry judges to go through to the regional finals of the competition.

Mackenzie, a student at the Purcell School of Music in Bushey for the past four years, said: "I was bit nervous to start with, but as soon as I got up on stage I felt fine.

"I’ve been writing my own songs since the age of 11. I sit at the piano, come up with a composition and then the words just come. I don’t focus on anything in particular, my songs cover everything. It just depends on what I’m thinking about or feeling at the time."

Citing Paloma Faith, Divine Comedy, La Roux, Kate Bush and Eliza Doolittle as influences, Mackenzie said her dream is to be famous for writing and performing her own music.

She said: "I love songwriting, but I wouldn’t want anyone else performing my songs, they’re personal to me.

"I’m hoping to do really well in this competition, my main ambition is to be a music star.

"If I don’t make it through I wouldn’t want to apply for competitions like X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent, simply because, all the performers end up singing other people’s songs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s just not for me."

This is not the first time Mackenzie has played in front of a large crowd. In May last year she was one of 100 promising young musicians to play piano in the Royal Albert Hall with pianist Lang Lang.

The pianist, songwriter and singer is also a gifted cellist and clarinettist – reaching Grade 8 distinction in the woodwind instrument in just two years.

On Sunday, October 28, Mackenzie will go head-to-head with other regional finalists at Highlight and she is encouraging residents to come and support her.

She said: "If I make it through the regional final, I could go on to the national grand final, with the chance to perform at the 02, which would be amazing.

"So please, come along and help a local girl’s dreams of musical stardom come true."

For tickets to the regional final, visit www.openmicuk.co.uk or Mackenzie at tasha.kavanagh@gmail.com.

To hear Mackenzie's music, visit: www.mackenzie-music.com or http://soundcloud.com/antiprism/rainbow-1/s-sd45L or http://soundcloud.com/antiprism/fight-for-me/s-EsbQP .