Four-piece girl band All Sort singing in the Galleria's Search For A Star competition

THE final of the Galleria’s Search for a Star competition takes place in Hatfield this afternoon (Saturday).

WHT editor Terry Mitchinson gives his views

IT was girl power at the Galleria last Saturday as All Sorts won the opening heat of the outlet centre’s Search for a Star competition.

The four-piece girl group impressed a panel of judges including Welwyn Hatfield Times editor Terry Mitchinson and will now progress to today’s overall final.

Six diverse and talented acts performed in front of shoppers and a three-strong judging panel for their chance to win sought-after music prizes and a place in this contest’s climax.

Joining Terry as one of the X Factor-style judges was record label mogul Matt Chambers, of Insomnia Music, and Top Hat talent agency scout Warren Bacci.

Michelle Gayle

They went for young girl group All Sorts, who will go up against another act selected from the second heat.

Last Saturday’s opening round of the music event backed by the WHT welcomed six performers throughout the afternoon.

Young, upbeat and energetic duo Jesters opened the show with their cheeky lyrics and guitar riffs.

Shoppers in Hatfield were then struck by solo singer Vikki’s strong, haunting and emotive voice.

Duo Daisy Lewis and Dom Clayton performed a jazzy version of Maroon 5’s Sunday Morning.

The performance of eventual heat winners All Sorts was popular with shoppers, who clapped along and applauded after the girls finished the song with a well harmonised a cappella finale.

Young rapper JC bravely took to the stage on his own and the judges commented that he could be the new Tinchy Stryder.

Acoustic act Hasan Abdullah had a last-minute crisis when his guitar string broke. Thankfully, The Music Room in the Galleria provided him with a replacement string in the nick of time and his performance wowed the audience.

“It was a close call and the standard of all six acts was impressive,” said judge Matt Chambers, of Insomnia Music.

“For me, the All Sorts stood out as they had clearly devoted a lot of time fine-tuning their harmonies, which were incredible.

“I look forward to seeing more acts next week and judging the final showdown.”

He will be joined by singer Michelle Gayle to judge the final showdown.