‘Tears of joy’ for champion young singer

Mischa Thomlinson
Mischa Thomlinson
Winning Newstalk ZB’s nationwide singing competition "Star of Christmas" is a wish come true for Mischa Thomlinson.

The 11-year-old singer and musician, who has just completed her final year at Cromwell Primary School, can now add star to her list of achievements, having won the public vote on Christmas morning.

"It’s really exciting but it was quite a shock," she said.

"I was amazed just making it that far but winning was amazing."

It was an eventful morning for the youngster, who had her audition tape played first and was interviewed before singing the Kelly Clarkson version of Christmas carol Silent Night live on air.

"There were a lot of tears, tears of joy," she said.

Her prize will take her to Auckland for a studio tour and coaching with Popstars host and former frontman of the band Zed, Nathan King, who will produce a record with her.

The carol will be released in time for Christmas 2022.

Mischa started performing at farmers’ markets and community events at the age of 8.

Earlier this year she won the Junior Talent Quest at Timaru’s Caroline Bay Carnival, and competed in the Gold Guitar Awards in Gore.

Mischa is still coming to terms with her win, but said she was more excited than nervous at the prospect of going into the recording studio.

"I’m just looking forward to going to more competitions and getting to record," she said.

tracie.barrett@odt.co.nz