Teen singer Shannon Saunders was overwhelmed with emotion when she performed a private concert for friends and family on Saturday.
Sixteen-year-old Shannon, who lives just outside Malmesbury, is one of four finalists in a TV talent show to be shown on the Disney Channel.
The Wootton Bassett School pupil is receiving professional coaching and will perform a final gig at London’s Koko music venue on Thursday.
After the private show at the Swindon Arts Centre for 75 invited guests, Shannon said: “It was brilliant, I was at the side of the stage and everyone was chanting my name.
“I walked out on stage and just burst into tears. I was so emotional, it was really overwhelming. Then people in the audience started crying and we all set each other off.”
Despite the tears, Shannon was able to perform two of her own songs as well as covers of current hits.
She said: “It went really well, it was great to be on stage and see all the banners and t-shirts people had made.
“I had invited friends along from school and Mum invited the family.
“My grandparents came up from Cornwall to see me, which was really nice.”
Due to the forecast rain the concert venue was moved from Shannon’s home to the Arts Centre. She said: “Everyone seemed to love it.
“It was great to get their reactions caught on camera, it will be fun to watch when it goes out on tv.”
This week Shannon has been busy getting ready for the big finale in London.
She said: “I’ve been doing filming and had some more voice coaching this week.
“I’ve learned so much. My voice has improved a lot.
“I’m sad that it’s all coming to an end, it has been a brilliant experience.”
On Saturday Shannon will be performing at the Sugarhill Festival at Lidlington in Swindon and next month at the Festival on the Farm in Purton.
My Camp Rock 2 premieres every Friday from August 13 at 5.35pm on the Disney Channel.
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