On Thursday, December 6, 2007, Manchester Academy showcased talented pupils in front of a vast audience in Academy's Got Talent.

Parents and students piled into the hall to watch the pupils perform their acts in an X-Factor style in front of a judging panel; Miss Close, Mr. (Simon Cowell!) Richards and Mr. Rathbone.

In recent years, the head of the music department Mrs. Bonner has organised one of these events. We found out one of the main reasons behind the event was because instead of Music GCSE, students at the Academy have the option of taking a BTEC course, and the competition has been a great way for BTEC students to practice their skills.

This was the culmination of a long process of auditions where 50 hopefuls were narrowed down to several performers for the big night. Such was the level of competition and the high standards expected of the finalists.

After an hour and a half of highly charged performances, there followed discussions amongst the panel.

Then it was time to announce an overall winner. The tension of this nail-biting finale was heightened when there was confusion over who had won. 

The presenter, Jamie called out that the winners were the year 11 girls, and the dance group leapt about 10 feet in the air, thinking they'd won!

However reality kicked in with the realisation that it was the Year 11 singers!  It was a great evening and everyone who took part were stars. 

Furthermore it's not everyday that you see Mr Richards do a jig real Borat style. This was well received by the audience.

Congratulations to Vimbai, Katherine and Fiona for winning with their outstanding performance of Faith Evans's "Hopeful".

By Jessica and Loren