SOPRANO singer Rebecca Newman has become the first classical winner of a global music competition.
The competition Artist Signal is designed to find the best independent music and the top artist each month wins $10,000, as voted for by listeners.
Ms Newman won with more than 55,000 votes, a staggering margin of over 20,000 votes compared to the second placed artist.
She said: “It was amazing to see how my supporters on social media were turning it into a game and enjoying the whole experience.
“It was great to see my supporters able to make a tangible difference to my life with their efforts.”
Ms Newman, who is based in York, is a regular performer in the North-East, and has performed with the NASUWT Brass Band in Durham and at St Cuthbert’s Church, in Darlington.
She added: “I have an incredible amount of support in North Yorkshire and Country Durham and even decided to film part of my Christmas music video in Durham Town Hall, where I also hosted my Christmas concert for the second year running.”
Ms Newman recently finished recording her new album, Dare to Dream, with Paul Bateman and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
Her new album is due for release in the summer. To watch her short film about her connection to the people of Durham, youtube.com/watch?v=QVZrCfKcckk
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