LQ Magazine catches up with Stephanie Wilson



Singing in the school assembly as a young child, Stephanie stood out. She had a beautiful and powerful voice from a young age - a voice that everyone around her noticed and loved. 

She discovered her voice from six years old and had always been singing in church. Her mother, Sandra Wilson, was a praise and worship leader.  When asked to sing at an event in the church, everyone discovered her talent for singing. Singing in school assemblies as well as at church helped her confidence as a performer grow which led to her finding the courage to enter a national Christian singing competition ‘Just Out of This World.’

 

The competition was in London and was open to anyone throughout the whole of the UK.  Auditions were held in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Although there were strong entrants in the competition, Stephanie impressed the judges so much and proudly went on to win the two year recording contract complete with a professional website and photo shoot! She emerged as the youngest winner ever at the age of 15 at the time! “Her age however was not at all reflected in her vocal prowess as her powerful voice simply filled the room captivating her listeners,” the competition reported.

 

So many doors have opened up since for Stephanie with numerous fantastic opportunities and experiences coming her way. “I sang the Christmas song at the Rugby stadium in Northampton.  I sang for the Mayor in Rushden. I also had the opportunity to sing at the Royal & Derngate and Laura White from X factor was there.” The event was a Gospel event and a collective of different schools, and Stephanie was chosen to sing solo. 

Stephanie has also done a few personal appearances in Kent and London. “It’s fun,” she explains. “It’s hard to juggle it around school, but we do it as a family and it’s good to have mum there.”

 

Despite her success in her singing career so far, Stephanie has ensured to keep her options open. “I want to be a professional singer but I’m focusing on my education. As soon as I achieve my education, I want to have a singing career,” she explains.

 

 “I’m currently attending Wollaston Secondary School Sixth Form studying, Sociology, Health and Social care and English Language.”  She’s very happy there and is thoroughly enjoying her chosen subjects. Aside from singing,  Stephanie has decided on a career in Social work.  “I’m planning to go to University to do a degree in Social work.  I’m hoping to attend DeMontfort in Leicester.” She has a passion to work with young people.  “I want to be a good role model to young people.  I want to be an inspiration for young people.”

 

Stephanie’s family couldn’t feel more happy and proud of her, especially her parents Robert and Sandra Wilson. “I feel absolutely proud.  She hasn’t had any real formal vocal training.  I’m just really happy that she’s got the confidence to stand in front of crowds, and she’s so professional about her singing and takes it seriously,” her mum reveals. “Something that myself and her dad always knew was that she had a gift.” 

 

Stephanie is just as proud of her parents, and her mum is her biggest inspiration. “I probably wouldn’t be singing and releasing a single if it wasn’t for them.”

“I used to have stage fright and they’ve encouraged me to keep on going.”

Stephanie explains that church has definitely helped especially with support from her Pastor. “Pastor Hugh Jackman allowed me to record,” she says. “Going to church gives me the encouragement to do my singing.”

 

“I’ve released a single called ‘Pick Yourself Up’ and I’m promoting it at different events – church events, charity events.” The release of her single has caused excitement at her school, and they’ve been brilliant with their support. “I get people at my school saying, ‘she’s the girl on iTunes!”  

 

Stephanie is also currently supporting the charity MIND so 50% of any CD sales goes towards the charity. The single is a beauitful upbuilding track. Stephanie explains: “People go through hard times – you can be who you want to be.”

So what is Stephanie’s dreams for the future? “My ultimate dream and ambition is to have my own record label.  I want people to be inspired by my music.” And after listening to Stephanie’s song ‘Pick Yourself Up’ and seeing her determination and kind nature, Stephanie is definitely an inspiration to us all.