Kilmarnock music student wins talent contest

Dec 12 2008 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

A MUSIC student has won herself an early Christmas present by coming out on top in a festive singing competition.

Talented Lauren Gordon, 20, won the ‘Xmas Factor’ competition held at the Rivergate Centre in Irvine at the weekend.

And now the Kilmarnock lass will have an extra £500 to spend in the run up to Christmas.

“I was so chuffed to win,” said the Strathclyde Uni student.

“The standard of the competition was so high, and there was a great mix of styles and age groups.

“The money will come in really handy and I think I might buy a laptop to help me with uni work.”

Lauren was supported at the event by all her friends and family, including big sister Stephanie, 22, mum Wendy, step-dad Phil and dad Les, as well as boyfriend Andrew Lang from Newmilns.

She added: “It was great to see everyone there cheering me on. Their support really helped me to perform to my best.

“I sang ‘Spotlight’ by Jennifer Hudson and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and when they read out my name as winner I couldn’t believe it.”

Lauren went back to her old primary school, Loanhead Primary, on Monday to wish the pupils there well in their nativity show.

The competition was run as part of West Sound’s Cash For Kids Appeal and over 300 people attended the final.

Rivergate manager Patrick Robbertze added: “The Xmas Factor is small style but the planning that goes into it is massive.”

lPOP IDOL: Lauren belts out a number at the Xmas factor final and, left, she is pictured with her cheque.