University News Last updated 14 November 2012
A singing expert at Birmingham City University is backing this year’s X Factor hopeful Ella Henderson after playing a big part in the budding star’s early rise to fame.
James Grimsey, Head of Singing at Birmingham School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University, worked with Ella for three years from the age of 13 while she was studying at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire.
James said: “I coached Ella vocally on productions and for her performance assessments. She was always a fabulous young singer and a joy to work with.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Ella is doing so well. It was always a matter of the right opportunity coming along at the right time and X Factor seems to be it.”
16-year-old Ella has received heaps of praise from X Factor Judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Tulisa and Nicole Scherzinger and is tipped as this year’s favourite to win the recording contract prize on offer. After Ella’s first audition on the show, Tulisa said: “I see something so special in you.”
As well as working at Birmingham School of Acting, James also runs his own theatre school in Milton Keynes, Arts1 School of Performance, providing performing arts classes and training for 400 young people and adults.
James will be running a masterclass in Milton Keynes in December aimed at young performers and adults interested in learning about the voice and how to sing better. For more information, visit www.arts1.co.uk.