SINGER Ava Mannings has left the dog grooming parlour where she worked behind to start recording an album after winning national TV talent contest The Voice UK.
Former Winterbourne Academy and Hambrook Primary School pupil Ava, aged 21, won a record deal with Universal Music UK’s Island EMI label, £50,000 and an all-expenses-paid holiday when the ITV1 show’s studio audience picked her as the winner in the final, screened at the end of October.
Since then she has juggled time in the studio with radio and TV appearances – with no time yet for that holiday – and been boosted by chart placings for her songs and a wave of support on social media.
Ava is now working with a team of musicians to share her passion for music, telling the Frome Valley Voice: “I’m starting to realise my dream.”
Ava’s version of The Beatles’ The Long and Winding Road was released as a download straight after the show at the end of October. The song made it to number 3 in the Official Big Top 40 from Global, a chart that combines Apple iTunes sales and streams with radio play. Ava said it was “crazy” to see her name sandwiched between two entries for Bruno Mars.
In November The Reason, the song she performed with her coaches Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones of McFly, was released as a single, entering the Official Singles Download chart at number 10.
Creative energy
Ava has been working in the studio with Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter of McFly, and another musician, Steven Batelle from LostAlone, who together write and produce music as SideQuest.
Ava said: “They’re absolutely amazing, figuring out musically where we want to go.
“It’s been incredible – every step is a massive learning lesson.
“I’ve got so much creative energy flowing out of me and I’m trying to put that into my music.”
Ava has been bringing her own material to the sessions, from lyrics she has previously written to ideas she’s had on the train on the way to the studio, and working with the team to record some original songs.
She said: “We’re hoping to get an album together within the next few months, and get a few singles out.
“I have lots of material I’ve never recorded that I want to get out.
“I’m feeling so super lucky and thankful.”
‘I want to sing to everyone who’s been behind me’
Ava wants to perform live in the New Year. A Bristol venue will be top of her list, and she would love to play one of the city’s well known music venues like the O2, SWX or The Fleece.
The former Chester Park Infant School pupil said: “I just want to sing to everyone who’s been behind me.
“Any kind of Bristol venue would be mental – I’ve only got up with a microphone in a pub before!”
One of Ava’s guests at the final was fellow contestant Kyra Smith and her mum.
Ava said one of the songs Kyra had performed, The Impossible Dream, was a favourite of one of her mentors, Hambrook Primary School teaching assistant and choir leader Sue Cessford, who passed away in 2019.
Ava said: “I was crying my eyes out behind the stage when Kyra sang it. It was a connection between me and Sue, so it’s a massive connection with Kyra.”
It was hard to keep the result of the pre-recorded show a secret until the final was broadcast Ava “didn’t want to ruin the surprise” for her supporters, including her old schools and performing arts groups.
Schools’ pride
Winterbourne Academy head of arts Rachel Gittoes said: “We have very fond memories of Ava as an incredibly talented actor, dancer and of course singer.
“In her time in the school, Ava made considerable contributions to a number of school productions, including taking lead roles in both Oliver and Our House.
“Her ability as a performer was clear from the very beginning of her time here and we thoroughly enjoyed watching this blossom and grow.
“We have followed Ava’s journey on The Voice with great excitement and are immensely proud of her incredible achievement.”
Hambrook Primary School head teacher Jennifer Rubel said: “Ava’s exceptional achievement has filled our school community with immense pride and joy.
“She has always been a fantastic singer and showcased her incredible talent from a young age, in our school choir and performances led by Sue Cessford. It’s heart-warming to see Ava fulfilling her dreams and honouring the musical foundation that Sue helped build.
“Staff, both past and present, are extremely proud of Ava’s accomplishments and it has been a privilege to witness her talents blossom.
“Ava’s journey is a true inspiration to all our students, reminding us of the power of dedication, hard work, and following one’s dreams.”
BAOS members ‘buzzing’ at success
Among those who have messaged her were members of Staple Hill-based St Mary’s Players and BAOS Youth, the young arm of Bristol Amateur Operatic Society.
Ava performed in several shows for BAOS Youth, including Fame in 2016, Little Shop of Horrors in 2017 and Seussical in 2018.
Chair Frankie Duddridge said: “I had the privilege of seeing Ava grow in confidence throughout her time with us, despite Ava never realising just how brilliant she was!
“We always knew she had the talent to go far and from her first audition in The Voice UK, she had the backing of everyone who knew her in BAOS, as well as current youth members who hope to follow in her shoes one day.
“We were posting weekly updates on her progress across our members page, as well as lots of members watching to see Ava and then buzzing about how well she was doing.
“To see Ava’s dreams coming true and her hard work paying off is incredible to see.
“She has always stayed true to herself and I, as well as all of her BAOS family are so incredibly proud of her.”
Dreams coming true
Ava has also received countless supportive messages from people she has never met, on social media, which has been a “massive boost” and moves her every day.
She said: “I just feel such a connection with the whole world right now.
“Everything is falling into place, how I always dreamed it would be.
“I take every step as if I’m on a massive ladder – I’m not sure where the end is going to be but I’m looking up.”
Top picture: Ava Mannings sings The Reason with coaches Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher in the final of The Voice UK. Picture: ITV Plc