Eleven-year-old Bella Maua was judged the most promising singer under 14 at the Manawatu Performing Arts Competitions Society earlier this month.
The Wanganui girl was in six events in the competition, mother Cherie Maua said. Each had about 13 entrants. She came first in four of them, second in one
and third in one, as well as taking the overall vocal prize for her age group despite it being open to singers two years older.
She sang songs as varied as the hymn Amazing Grace and the pop song Someone Like You, and judges praised her strong, pure voice and excellent diction.
Her mother was pleased and surprised to find Bella could cut it with children from the neighbouring region. She and father Dion Maua can't explain their daughter's drive to perform in song, music and dance. But they are happy to help and encourage her.
Bella plays the ukulele and passes jazz dance and singing exams. She's been having singing lessons with Wanganui's Lynn Whiteside for two years.
