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Talented Jack to help celebrate Mall makeover

Posted on September 16, 2011

Jack Vidgen will headline official Langtree Mall celebrations this weekend.

By VINNIE RODI

FANS of the hit television show ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ will be in for a treat tomorrow, with the Mildura City Heart to host a special performance by this year’s winner, Jack Vidgen.

The 14-year-old – who shot to fame after showcasing his unique vocal talents in front of a national audience of millions – will appear at two local events during his visit, including Mildura City Heart’s official celebration of the newly developed Langtree Mall – which gets underway from 10am – and an ‘Up Close and Personal’ performance tomorrow night at the newly opened Evolution Bar & Lounge.

Jack will appear in the Langtree Mall from 12.45pm – following a host of local talent – with his set-list to include all of the hits that helped grab the attention of not only Australia’s Got Talent judges, but millions of people across the country.

He will also perform his new track ‘Yes I Am’ – a song he performed during the finale of Australia’s Got Talent – with the song also featured on his recently released debut album of the same name.

Currently touring the country on his first promotional tour, Jack took time from a hectic schedule to chat to the Mildura Weekly this week, saying he was excited to make his first visit to the region.

“It’s been really exciting visiting a lot of different places around the country, and I’m really looking forward to coming to Mildura for the first time and performing,” he said.

“I’ll be singing a few songs from the show, and a couple of new songs as well, and I’m sure it’s going to be a really fun day.”

Mildura City Heart Chairman, Graeme Burrows, said it was exciting to secure a big name performer like Jack for the celebration.

“To secure such a big name is a real honour, especially to celebrate our newly developed Langtree Mall,” he said.

Following his appearance at Langtree Mall, Jack will then turn his attention to a special performance at the new Evolution Bar & Lounge establishment, which will include a signing session. Tickets are $75 (which includes a two-course meal), or $45 (standing only), and are available by contacting David Storer on 0417 515 799.

It’s been a whirlwind ride for Jack since bursting on to the national – and international – scene, with the youngster saying his life had undergone a dramatic change since appearing on the hit show.

“It’s been one thing after another since the show ended,” he said. “Between recording and releasing my album, and performing all over the country, it’s been like a rollercoaster.”

And while the added attention would affect most 14-year-olds, Jack said he had managed to cope fairly well under the circumstances.

“It’s certainly been a massive change, and something that I think I’ve coped with pretty well,” he said. “I’ve got mum travelling everywhere with me, and she’s been really good at keeping me focused.

“This is what I’ve wanted to do all of my life, and I’m just enjoying every minute of it.”

For those unfamiliar with Jack’s journey, it was only a few short months ago that he first appeared on Australia’s television screens, with his rendition of the Whitney Houston classic ‘I Have Nothing’ bringing the house down, and even going on to earn the youngster a kiss on the cheek from judge Brian McFadden.

“It’s a pretty weird audition process,” Jack said. “You actually have to perform for the producers first, so that they can make sure your act is suitable for television.

“Stepping out in front of the judges for the first time was really nerve-racking, but I managed to get through it, and was lucky enough to be invited back.”

Following his initial audition with equally outstanding appearances in the show’s finals series, Jack soon established a huge following, with his fans helping him secure the title.

Jack was quickly signed to Sony Music Australia, setting to work on ‘Yes I Am,’ which was released on August 19.

Growing up in North Sydney, Jack first began singing at age three. Encouraged by his family, and drawing influence from his musical idols including Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, the youngster continued to hone his skills, going on to take singing classes, while also performing in musical theatre shows and Eisteddfods.

And while Jack is enjoying being on the road, he admitted that his focus was already set on his next goal, to write and record an all-original album – one that will hopefully follow on from the success of ‘Yes I Am.’

“Yes I Am only has a couple of originals on it, with the rest of the album made up of songs I performed on Australia’s Got Talent,” he said.

“Im definitely looking forward to getting back into the studio, doing some writing, and working toward my own original album.

“At the moment I’m really enjoying getting to see Australia, and performing in towns like Mildura.”

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