Pride in London has announced the finalists of their first annual Pride's Got Talent competition.
Entertainers and performing artists of every kind were judged by an expert panel on Sunday 15th June. The judges chose one overall winner and eleven runners-up from hundreds who applied. The winner, Dorian Reland, is to perform in Trafalgar Square at Pride in London on 28th June.
Dorian Reland, a singer, was the overall winner of the first ever Pride’s Got Talent contest for Pride in London. Over four hundred performers applied for the chance to appear on the stage in Trafalgar Square and the judges, supported by Pride in London’s stage producer Ian Massa-Harris, whittled that down to just one overall winner and eleven runners-up.
The winner, Dorian Reland sings powerful songs that reflect contemporary LGBT+ themes. He’s sure to go down a storm in Trafalgar Square, feeding off the incredible energy of the Pride crowd. You can find Dorian Reland online here: Dorian on YouTube.com
We were delighted to see a number of women in the list of finalists. A few notable ones were:
Sophie DeBattista
Sophie is a 20 year old singer songwriter originally from Malta, now based in London.
She is now working with top producers and her tunes are starting to receive some attention in the UK and Europe.
Sophie says: “Music is my life. I love writing, playing & performing my original material. Style is based on pop, but love giving it my own twist, to create a unique sound. Sincerely hope you like what I do, would love to welcome you on board my journey!! 
xoxo”
Doremi Fly
Out with the old in with the new , DRM FLY aka (Doremi Fly) are a very creative Girl Band Duo. The band consists of Careya (singer/songwriter/pianist/model/actor) and Jamina (singer/model/actor), these girls are very ambitious and multi talented. The duo have continued to rise after their #1 Single in the French and Itunes Charts titled “Tonight” Featuring DJ Oriska and Keenan Cahill early in 2013.
They have overcome great obstacles and have stuck to their guns as far as being driven to succeed in the music business. Their motto is to Entertain the masses and set trends for the new age pop music era, with a huge catalogue of music their work ethic is above standard and their live performances are ones to remember.
Elena Ramona
Elena Ramona is a 24 year old singer song writer based in Guildford Surrey. She grew up on the Greek island of Skiathos, with her English mother, Greek father and brother. Music, singing and song writing have always been her passion.
Her debut single “Rise” was inspired by the love and support her family have given her. The music for ‘Rise’ was co-written and recorded by her good friend Martyn Corbet who has been a major influence on her work.
Jes Stretton
Rising soulful/pop//R&B artist Jes Stretton, 23, from Wigan, has been working hard in the studio ready for her brand new EP 'Surrender' which was released on the 18th May!
Since November 2012, Jes has been performing all over Europe with her music.
The latest in her long line of achievements is performing at last years Liverpool Pride in front of 65,000 people. Jes is currently doing gigs & festivals all the north-west, trying to raise her profile and get her music heard!
Adam All
Of course we all know Adam All!
Drag King Adam All is the creation of Jen Powell. Jen first performed in drag 12 years ago and since Adam's initial inception has gone on to perform across the UK and now runs a monthly Cabaret Drag King Night in Soho. An advocate of drag and avid suppporter of the emerging Drag King scene, Jen strongly believes in encouraging new Kings and promoting existing talent.
Naomi Young
London based singer, songwriter, drummer, guitarist. Currently singing & songwriting with lead guitarist Senad Veliu. Also known for her work in Dance, dubstep group NYRO-B featuring DJ Albstep, bringing a new sound combining R&B, D&B, Dubstep and Psy Music.
Orlaith Rose Comer
Orlaith is a singer/song-writer from Northern Ireland.
She has been on Britain's Got Talent, and made it to the top 180 out of 40,000 contestants!
A bit about the Judges
The judges of course, as experts in their fields had a few words to say about the event and the talent they got to enjoy. Here's what the judges said:
Gary Butler, Chief Executive, Multi Media Entertainments Group said:
"Pride's Got Talent is an excellent way for people from your communities to showcase their talent. It gives them the chance to bring their work to a bigger stage - quite literally. I feel proud to have been part of Pride's Got Talent for London Pride at the start of its journey.”
Dr J, Photographer, performer and DJ with Bar Wotever said:
"It's been fascinating to see the range of talent on London's eclectic performance scene. As well as the winners, there were some people I would love to see come down to Bar Wotever to hone their skills."
Sean Jeffrey, JAM artist management and West End musician said:
"We've seen so many different types of performer that Simon Cowell would be jealous. I've been excited that we've seen some who show potential to develop great careers in their field."
Ian Massa Harris, Pride in London Stages Producer said:
“We promised that we would be a Pride of and for the community and Pride’s Got Talent is a fantastic way for new acts from across the LGBT+ community to raise their profile. The winner and runners up will be performing in front of the demanding and influential London LGBT+ audience in Trafalgar Square and Dean Street. We look forward to developing Pride’s Got Talent further next year.”
Nearly 400 applicants were whittled down to a final 100 that were reviewed by the judges.
The boring bits:
GOT TALENT® used with the kind permission of FremantleMedia
