When country music legend Suzanne Prentice was a girl, she didn't make the school choir.
Now that she's grown up she's pleased that all children, regardless of skill, can sing with her in her annual World Vision Kids for Kids concerts.
Last night about 300 Northland schoolchildren took to the stage with
Prentice, singing tunes such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Beatles' hit Yellow Submarine.
Tonight and tomorrow 700 more children will take over Whangarei's Forum North to sing with the bodybuilding country music star. Altogether 33 schools are taking part.
"Kids are a lot of fun to work with. You get an awful lot back with kids and the concert is great for self-esteem and their confidence on stage," Prentice said.
The Invercargill-based singer said Northland children had good rhythm, but she just wanted them to have fun.
Prentice has taken the World Vision Kids for Kids show around New Zealand for 12 years. She performs about 50 of the concerts each year, promoting World Vision's child sponsorship programme.
Children are given six weeks to practise their tunes.
Keeping fit and toned allows Ms Prentice to keep up with her hectic schedule. She's even considering entering a bodybuilding competition in October.
Budding young singer Manawa Norris, 10, was feeling excited but not nervous at the prospect of singing an Edelweiss solo to a packed hall last night.
Asked what he liked about singing, the Hora Hora School pupil said: "Everything."
The concerts continue tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm at Forum North. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students, available from Ticketek on (09) 430 4244.
