- Aaina Padiath is named ‘Best of the Best’.
- Thousands of children between 10 and 14 years across the UAE took part in nation-wide hunt for the next singing sensation
Dubai, UAE: GEMS Education named Aaina Padiath as the UAE’s ‘Best Young Singer’ and winner of the ‘Best of the Best 2016’ – a talent hunt aimed to discover young gifted singers in the country.
Thirteen year old, Aaina from The Millennium School, Dubai enthralled the audience and stole the judges’ hearts. Now holding the title for the Best young singer, she has also received a cash prize of AED 10,000.
The competition, held every two years, was this year, open to 10 to 14-year old students who performed in English, and sang everything from country music to jazz, pop, classical and semi-classical, rap and blues.
The auditions for Best of the Best took place in two rounds in September and October 2016 and the 27 finalists chosen from over a thousand of students from schools across the UAE. The finalists performed in front of an eminent panel of judges including Barry Kirch, Group Chairman of BKP Media, Tyler Smith, Senior Vice President, Asia for Trinity College London, Yousef Khan, Director of The Music Box, RJ/DJ ABHIJEET from 89.1 and Sir Christopher Stone, Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education.
Commenting on the competition, Kevin Oliver, Cultural Coordinator for GEMS Education, said: “I truly believe we have exceptionally talented children in this country and every time we hold the Best of the Best we discover students with a fresh and extraordinary flair for singing. By participating in competitions such as this, students get an opportunity to hone their skills and sharpen their talent as they compete at the national level.”
The competition, which was started by GEMS in 2004, has unearthed thousands of amazing voices through the years. The first winner of ‘Best of the Best’ is now working on his own solo album.
About GEMS Education:
GEMS Education is a pioneering education company. Through our schools, consulting practice and our charitable foundation we are advancing education for all. Every day in our schools around the world, we prepare thousands of children of all ages for real world success. We are a catalyst and delivery partner. We work with governments, donor agencies and private clients to improve education systems, and provide vital training for young people in an increasingly competitive world. Through the Varkey Foundation we campaign for, and support initiatives that change lives through education.
