Congratulations Clara
Marlborough teenager
Clara van Wel has been named the winner of New
Zealand's Got Talent!
Host Tamati Coffey revealed the 15-year-old singer/songwriter was
the favourite after public votes from the Grand Final were counted
and collated.
Wellington's
Jessie Hillel was named runner-up, and Auckland
teen
Evan Sinton was placed third.
Clara was briefly overcome by tears as she struggled to digest the
news she had beaten more than 5,000 other acts to win the
competition.
In front of an elated audience and judges Jason Kerrison, Rachel
Hunter and Ali Campbell she said she felt as if she were
dreaming.
"This whole journey has been incredible," she said.
"Can someone pinch me, please?!"
Throughout the competition, Clara was a popular contestant,
singing original compositions and accompanying herself on guitar in
each round.
After her first audition, judge Ali Campbell described her as a
serious talent. During the semi-finals, Rachel Hunter told her she
'oozed' the superstar factor. And at the Grand Final Jason
Kerrison was convinced the Year 11 student would be 'it.'
"Clara, you touch the minds of people, not just in this room but
watching their televisions around the country," he
said.
Clara has been singing since she was a toddler, as well as playing
the acoustic guitar and ukulele. She is also a prolific songwriter,
with a catalogue of over 50 original tracks.
She says she draws inspiration from the many books she loves to
devour in her spare time.
"I think the music I write is really special and different. It
comes from the heart and I'm totally committed to it."
"I have my own style and to be able to share that is a beautiful
thing."
As part of her prize Clara receives $100,000 and a brand new
2013 Toyota Corolla.
She is also headed into the studio to record her winning single,
'Where Do You Find Love?' which will be released before
Christmas.
