Singer wows judges in Don't Stop Believers

Steven (front) with the other members of Singer Station

A YOUNG Helensburgh singer wowed judges with his performance on a hit new TV show.

Ardencaple teen Steven Thomson, who is in a group of seven singers from nearby Alexandria, fought off stiff competition a Glee-inspired talent show.

The 14-year-old said the experience has been a "dream come true" and he told the Advertiser of his excitement at winning the first round of Channel Five's Don't Stop Believers.

Steven performed with the other singers from Dumbarton-based Singer Station and impressed viewers and celebrity judges on Sunday July 18 with their rendition of True Colours.

The Hermitage Academy pupil sang in front of a panel of judges, including American singer Anastasia, actress Tamzin Outhwaite and former Blue star Duncan James.

Their tear-jerking performance wowed Tamzin, who said: "It was really emotional and it really moved me."

The winners of the show will be awarded with a record deal.

Steven was still on a high when he spoke to the Advertiser after flying back from London and receiving a huge welcome home.

He said: "It was gobsmacking when we got through. All my family were at my house watching us on TV and they were screaming.

"The show has boosted my confidence so much.

"I only joined Singer Station in November last year and I was really quiet — I never would have thought this would be happening just eight months ago. I was a bit nervous but more excited than anything.

"We did our performance and we were so proud and glad it went well. When they announced our name we jumped so high and cried."

Steven's mum Amanda is so proud of her son and said he is a star at home where he helps out with his brother David, 16, who has learning difficulties.

She said: "The confidence he has built up is unbelievable. His brother has special needs and goes to Parklands and Steven has looked after his brother for years.

"He is very good to him and takes him out and about.

"David watched Steven on the TV but I don't know if he understands what is going on.

Now Steven is hoping that everyone in Helensburgh will vote for the singing group throughout the competition, which is hosted by former Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

A Facebook page has been created to urge people to vote for the group — and already it has 500 members.

He is also promising that the group's next performance, on August 22, will be even bigger and better.

Louise MacFarlane, who launched the Dumbarton-based Singer Station with husband Des in 2007, said: "He is genuinely one of the nicest children I have ever met in my life.

"He was a really shy wee boy when he first started and now he is so confident.

"These kids have never done anything like this before in their lives and it is a dream come true.

"Glee has opened up a lot of people's eyes and many young people are wanting to sing.

"I ask them to believe in themselves and the difference in some of these children is amazing.

"We flew home on Monday morning and there was a massive welcome party at the airport with a huge banner saying 'Welcome home to the winners Singer Station'.

"Our kids have emotion and express themselves naturally, rather than having been taught.

"Each child has their own story in their heads before they go on stage.

"They sang from their hearts."