Superstar soprano in the making

Youngster aims to be next Hayley Westenra

MARNIE HALLAHAN

Tayla Alexander wants to be New Zealand's next superstar soprano.

At just 11, she's well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming the next Hayley Westenra after being named overall winner in her age group at the North Shore Performing Arts Competition.

The soprano won all four categories, a rare achievement, and impressed competition judge Janice Webb with her maturity and voice. She also intends auditioning for the upcoming TV show New Zealand's Got Talent.

Alexander first performed in front of her kindergarten aged four - singing the New Zealand national anthem - and hasn't wanted to step out of the spotlight since.

"I love the passion and emotion," she says.

"I'm really connected to my dog Henry and so I think about him when I'm singing."

Alexander has only been in the competitive world of singing for two years but has already gone head to head with singers twice her age.

"I did Opera Idol and was up against 20-year-olds but it was still so fun," she says.

Her most nerve-racking moment was taking to the streets in a busking competition, but she came away with a Best Buskers award and was also featured on TV One news.

She also recorded the Christmas carol O Holy Night after performing the song at the Auckland City Mission's annual Christmas lunch.

What do you think of Tayla's voice? Listen below and leave your comments.

- © Fairfax NZ News