Singing teenager Clara Van Wel is the first winner of
New Zealand's Got Talent - and $100,000 richer.
The 15-year-old, who writes all her own songs, was named the
winner last night after public votes from the previous
Sunday's grand final were counted and collated.
Clara beat more than 5000 acts.
Wellington's Jessie Hillel was named runner-up on the TVNZ
show and Auckland teenager Evan Sinton was placed third.
Told she had won after 12 weeks of performances, Clara was
briefly overcome with tears and told the judges Jason
Kerrison, Rachel Hunter and Ali Campbell that she felt as if
she were dreaming.
"This whole journey has been incredible," the Year 11
Marlborough Girls' College student said. "Can someone pinch
me, please?"
She's been singing since she was a toddler, as well as
playing the acoustic guitar and ukulele. Clara also has a
catalogue of more than 50 original songs, mostly based on the
books she reads.
"I think the music I write is really special and different,"
Clara said.
"It comes from the heart and I'm totally committed to it. I
have my own style and to be able to share that is a beautiful
thing."
After her first audition, Campbell described her as a serious
talent and during the semifinals, Hunter told her she "oozed"
the superstar factor. As part of her prize Clara won $100,000
and a 2013 Toyota Corolla. Her first single Where Do You Find
Love? will be released before Christmas.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.