I’m lucky to have a supportive family.
Meet Bethany Dagnall a 16 year old singer from Willington.
1. How did you star.t doing what you do?
I started singing at 8 years old,started doing shows, competitions etc, done them in Manchester, Liverpool Lipa centre, Shildon civic theatre, Durham gala, Spennymoor town hall, Newcastle theatre and more.
2. Who supported you along the way?
I’ve always had thorough support from my family, and they’ve always followed me wherever I’ve gone for singing, whenever I’ve done shows and competitions there’s always been at least 12 of my family there to support me, I’m lucky to have a family which is as supportive as they are for me.
3. What were the high points?
Its always a high point when you get to the final of competitions which i did for festival for the stars, talent quest, and more. I received the ‘audience favourite’ award in the final of a competition. Its an adrenaline pump when you get a big cheer, and have the privilege to receive awards from competitions. Also after coming out of shows people have stopped me and said i was really good, hearing things like that from people who i don’t know is always a pleasure.
4. What were the low points?
Not getting through and getting knock backs is always a low point, but you can’t win everything! There’s always going to be knock backs, but its just how you deal with them.
5. Have you had any negative reactions? How did you deal with them?
Getting told your not through in a competition is always upsetting, but you’ve just got to pick yourself back up and carry on. If not, you wouldn’t get anywhere. My mums always been pushy, and never let me stop doing what i love. She’s always got me into other competitions even if I’ve been knocked down from others, the motto is ‘never give up’.
4. How have other young people reacted to you?
Well, I’ve put videos on youtube etc, and people love that. My friends on Facebook always say I’m fantastic, and request covers. But there’s always going to be ‘haters’, which put sly things and don’t like what you do, but i can’t please everyone.
5. What have you learnt about yourself through the process?
I’ve learnt that sometimes I’m not as strong a person inside as what i think i am, but I’ve discovered my confidence through singing, and without it, i think id still be the shy eight year old girl.
6. What skills/abilities have you developed along the way?
Well obviously I’ve developed my voice, and its got a lot stronger through vocal lessons. Ive learnt to be confident, and to sell my self and perform a song, rather than just stand and sing it.
7. What advice would you have for other young people?
There’s always going to be knock backs, and people putting you down and upsetting you, but you have to pull through those, and live for the positive times. Don’t let anything stop you, and if you truly believe in what you want, knock down those barriers and get to your goal. You can do anything you put your mind to, and practice makes perfect.
