In 2007, an aspiring young singer stepped onto the stage of England’s enormously popular TV program “Britain’s Got Talent“, flashed an adorable gap-toothed smile and instantly won the heart of the notoriously difficult to please Simon Cowell – yes, that Simon Cowell – as well as the British viewing public . In just a couple of minutes, a true star had been born. What made this feat all the more remarkable was the fact that Connie Talbot was just six years old.
Connie was born November 20th, 2000. She currently attends private school in her hometown near Birmingham, England. Connie lives with her mother Sharon, her father Gavin, and her older siblings, brother Josh and sister Mollie.
Connie began to sing “as soon as she could talk” and she spent many hours with her grandmother Violet (who was very ill at the time) watching the film The Wizard Of OZ repeatedly and singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow together. Violet was the first person to recognize Connie as a talented singer, yet sadly she died before Connie became well known internationally. Connie sang Amazing Grace at her grandmother’s funeral.
Since then, Connie has become an international phenomenon, with appearances all around the globe. She has accumulated millions upon millions of YouTube views and has garnered glowing media attention. The Guinness Book of World Records certified Connie with two accolades… youngest artist in the UK ever to reach the charts and the youngest ever to receive a gold record.
Many of the feature articles published here begin when a parent first noticed their child could sing, or showed some form of musical interest. In TJ’s case you could say that he was born a true bouncing boy! His mother shared with me that as early as the age of five TJ was bouncing on the trampoline. However, he was not just bouncing but doing his very first back flips. At six years old he was already performing consecutive back flips. This could be where the bounce comes in his music which not only captivates his audience but also helps to communicate his message to others who may otherwise turn a deaf ear.