Young Wigan singers improve their vocal skills with star Phil Collins and X-Factor winner

Little Dreams Foundation, was set up in the year 2000 by husband and wife stars Phil and Orianne Collins as an international initiative to support young talent in music, arts and sports.

And Wigan Youth Zone, which has partnered with singing sensation Sam, helps up to 200 young people a night and have been supported by a number of well-known singers since working alongside the foundation.

Sam, a huge Phil Collins fan, is donating her time during the lockdown to conduct online training sessions to teach talented young singers Emily Pearce, 17, and Georgia Linde, 15, performance techniques including body and face movements as part of the programme.

“I am loving working with Emily and Georgia from Wigan Youth Zone, they are two very talented young ladies with great potential and it’s great to be able to share some wisdom with them,” Sam said.

Since being part of the foundation, the teens have had extraordinary opportunities such as flying out to Miami and performing with Phil Collins himself and other Little Dreamers.

Georgia said: “I have had an amazing experience within the past two years being with the Little Dreamers. I never thought I would be able to experience such great opportunities, the favourite being singing with Phil Collins in Miami. I am thoroughly enjoying working on my new material and it has been amazing to work with Sam who is really helping me with my performance.”

Nikki Varley, deputy head of youth work at the youth zone, said: “The girls were funnily enough more awestruck by the fact that Sam Bailey wanted to help mentor them as they remember her from winning the X-Factor, they are huge fans and can’t wait to give her a tour around their turf, when they are back at the youth centre.”

Emily said: “It feels amazing to get training off a celebrity who so many people know. We are fans of Sam, and she has years of experience in the industry that she can share with us.

“It’s been very empowering for me. The zoom sessions are something to look forward to and I’ve already learned a lot.”

The foundation’s funding covers vocal coaching, recording studio time, music equipment and professional music video creation for the young singers.

Nikki added: “We want people to realise how important those enrichment activities can be for young people, and we are so excited to have stars like Sam helping us teach these young people important skills that will assist their personal journeys, be it in confidence, communication skills and singing techniques.”

The youth centre premises are currently closed following government guidelines. However, they are continuing to support their attendees via digital means.

They are adapting as best they can but can’t wait to be back in the centre having fun.

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