A Norwich schoolboy and a Cambridge student have won an X-Factor type contest to find the next big name in Christian music.

 

The eastern region Hope Academy took place at the City Christian Centre, Nelson Street, in Norwich on Saturday night (February 23) when two dozen hopefuls from the area auditioned in front of a live audience and three judges.

 

The 11-18 age winner was Norwich School pupil and Holy Trinity church member Chris Fitzgerald-Lombard and the over 18-35 category winner was Cambridge English and education student Bex Taylor.

 

Chris (right), aged 17 and from Easton, who is a solo singer and acoustic guitarist, said: “I am ecstatic and a bit dazed with my success. I have never done anything like this before. My biggest influence is God, musically it is Jeff Buckley.” Chris does sing at his church and has also appeared at Langollen International Music Eisteddfod in Wales.

 

Bex, who sings and plays the electric keyboard, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity. I love singing and Gospel music in particular.”

 

The pair will now receive professional training during a weekend boot camp with other regional winners. Hope Academy culminates in a grand final including all regional winners at a top London venue on May 9 and 10.

 

The overall final winners receive: a chance to perform in Cairo, Egypt with Open Doors; performances alongside Saltmine Trust and Open Doors; and a recording of their best song on a music video.

 

Norwich finalists included several Norfolk artists and bands including Kairos, the Pete McAllen Band, Tom Adams and Debbie Lawson. Others came from as far as Cambridge, Newark and Derby.

 

Hope Academy is sponsored by Christian organisations Saltmine and Open Doors and aims to find up-and-coming Christian performers that have a desire to raise the profile of the 200 million plus Christians persecuted for their faith worldwide.

 

Phil Collins, CEO Saltmine Trust, said: “Hope Academy aims to release talent for the Kingdom of God, communicate hope for the global church, present the gospel of hope for the future and inspire young people that God has a plan for their lives through Christ.”

 

Eddie Lyle, CEO Open Doors, said: “The Hope Academy is a spectacular opportunity to identify a new generation of Christian artist, who use their gifts to the Glory of God. More importantly, we want to provide them with an opportunity to connect with people who have no voice, whose stories have never been told, and who need our support. This fusion of the creative arts and compassion will, we believe, raise the profile of the Persecuted Church which has never been so necessary.”

 

For more information on Hope Academy visit: www.saltmine.org/hopeacademy

Pictured top are all the Norwich finalists, plus winners Chris Fitzgerald-Lombard and Bex Taylor.