“He’s so inspirational! He just makes you want to work so hard to achieve your goal,” declares 17 year old, Warrington Collegiate performing arts student, Holly Waters, on meeting former student, Alex Buchanan, former Semi-finalist (The Voice 2013) who returned to college to talk to the students about his industry experience.
“I owe so much to the college.” Alex enthuses, paying tribute in particular to two of his tutors, performing arts lecturers, Sindy Richardson and James Baker.
Sindy, who has fond memories’ of Alex’s time at college, says, “He was an incredibly talented student, and really stood out from the crowd. Always singing and dancing in class, bringing energy and magnetism to his acting, it was obvious that Alex was going to be famous one day.”
For the last few years, Alex has been singing the songs of his hero, Michael Jackson, in ‘Thriller Live’ inLondon’sWest End. He got the part after singing just four lines of a song at his first (and only) audition – talent indeed.
A prodigious talent, considerable charisma and charm play a big part in his success, but Alex was keen to tell the students that this is not enough. “Hard work is the key to success “says Alex, “If you achieve your goal, be prepared to strive for something more.”
“Take up the opportunities as they arise, but remain true to yourself and do what’s right for you,” Alex said as he recounted how much he had learnt from his time on The Voice. Passing on tips for auditions, Alex added “Remember your training at college, it will help you. Keep on learning, from your successes as well as the knock backs you get.”
Alex can add Motivational Speaking to his repertoire of skills; inspired was the word on everyones lips. 17 year old performing arts student, Jess Scotson, who’s planning to study musical theatre at university said, “Alex is amazing, he has achieved so much in so short a time.”
19 year old fellow student, Chloe Miller, from Lymm, adds,” Alex has a fantastic work ethic. He makes you feel you can achieve anything.”
“He’s inspired me to follow my dreams,” says 17 Year old Nikita Chambers, from Stockton Heath “Fame hasn’t changed him, he’s a really lovely person.”
