With a Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist among the judges, young Glaswegians had every reason to give it their all at this year’s annual G-stars competition.

Hosted at the O2 Academy, 50 youngsters between the ages of 12-18 years old were looking for the approval of this year’s BGT starlet, Kerr James, as they performed in front of a live audience.

Part of Glasgow Life’s summer holiday provision, this year’s G-star programme was titled ‘Proud,’ in a nod to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City.

Alongside the vocal and choreography skills achieved in the build up to the competition, the teenagers completed a Community Achievement Award in citizenship and participation as part of the week-long G-stars 2019 project at the Geoff Shaw Community Centre in Toryglen.

Crowned overall winners of the competition were all-girl group, All 4 One, made up of members Lexi Walsh, 12, Laura McKay, 13, Alix Haddow, 14 and Megan McLean, 18.

The talented troop wowed the judges with their singing and dance performance of Me Too by American pop singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor.

Delighted to have scooped the top prize, Laura says: “Winning was obviously a shock. Everyone was really good and it means a lot that people thought we were good enough to be the winners.”

Oldest band member, Megan, shared her excitement of achieving a personal, as well as group, achievement as she says: “This is my last year of G-stars and I’m going out on a high as I’ve finally won.

“If it wasn’t for G-stars I wouldn’t have the friendships and so many amazing memories to treasure forever.”

13-year-old Kerr has been busy performing across the UK following his Britain’s Got Talent semi-final success. As well as take his place on the judge’s panel, the young singer also took to the stage to perform songs including Lewis Capaldi’s hit, Someone You Loved.

Back in his hometown, Kerr says: “So happy I got the opportunity to be part of such a great event and can tick performing at the O2 of my bucket list too.

“So proud... everyone of you were amazing.”

Launched in 2004 by Glasgow Life, G-stars is supported annually by a number of experts and local celebrities, giving young people the chance to experience a taste of life in the performing arts.

Proud of both the social and learning opportunities G-stars provides, Gary Maguire MBE, Community Services Co-ordinator at Glasgow Life, says: “The week-long project offers the young people of our city a fantastic opportunity to gain expert tuition from creative arts professionals whilst also acting as a platform for young Glaswegians to come together and make new friends during the school holidays.

“By offering activities such as G-stars free of charge throughout the holidays, we hope to ensure young people in our city have the chance to try activities they might not otherwise have access to."

Gary adds: “Seeing young people involved grow in confidence throughout the week is fantastic and not only does the week culminate in the opportunity to perform on such an iconic stage, but also creates opportunities to learn more about the importance of community and how to become a positive and active citizen.”

To find out what else is on offer in your community this summer, visit

glasgowlife.org.uk

.