Who has the X factor at JAGS? Too many to name. They were queuing up to show us on Thursday night at this year’s PopFest, a pulsating mix of the best talent in contemporary music of all styles. Since its refurbishment in the summer, the Holst Hall now boasts the technology to support such a heady event, with a lighting rig, video screens and sound system to add to the moody effect. It was a brilliantly happy evening; 19 acts warmly applauded and appreciated. There were some prizes:  Judged Best Performance  was shared between Florence in Year 8, who chose to sing ‘Mama Do’ because she likes the particular style of Pixie Lott, and Teddy and Ese, Year 11, for their version of  ‘Never Forget You’ by The Noisettes, inspired by live performance of the band.

Florence in Year 12, pictured here, produced a beautiful, original composition, ‘Upshaken’, winning the Judges’ vote for Best Original Composition. Florence has been learning the guitar since Year 3 and now has lessons with Mr Foley. They’ve paid off! Florence delighted the audience both with her lyrics and her tune. The way the lines scan is impressive, but the tune comes first, she says. She’s written about 10 (surely enough for an album?), including her favourite, which is about her sister.

The really hot prize was Audience Favourite. In 3rd place came the popular band Kate Wednesday with ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ by Green Day. In 2nd place were Anna, Laura, Sophia P, Sophia B and Harmony with Britney’s ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’.  Then in 1st place, wearing a lot of sequins with great panache, were Rosy, India and Aisha, belting out Christine Aguilera’s ‘Ain’t No Other Man’. And then entertainment from the staff band, Musician Impossible, and ‘Jai Ho!’ choreographed by Shikha Pahari. This audience member also loved the heated performance of ‘Fever’ and Grace and Morgen’s husky ‘Poker Face’.

Wow! We went home, batteries fully charged. Congratulations to all the performers and to Mr Monks for his tireless enthusiasm in organising the annual event.

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