Saturday, 21 December 2013 00:00
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Emmanuel Kelly, whose vocal talents came to light with his soaring rendition of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ at the X Factor Australia Contest, performed to a packed audience at the picturesque location of Mount Lavinia Hotel: Paradise Beach on Monday.
Emmanuel’s X Factor performance which moved many of the 6,000 plus audience to tears and a standing ovation on opening night in 2011, wowed judges such as Ronan Keating, Spice Girl Mel Brown, Natalie Bassingthwaight and Guy Sebastian.“I don’t think I’ve ever been as moved as I was by that performance ever!” said Ronan Keating. Yoko Ono tweeted “Thank you, Emmanuel. You sang beautifully. John would have been proud of you. Love, Yoko”.
And indeed Emmanuel sang ‘Imagine’ on 16 December at the Paradise Beach and it did move many. His song list for the night were: Viva la Vida (Coldplay), Home (Bubble), What a wonderful world ( Loius Armstrong), Lean on me (Bill Withers), What makes you beautiful (One Direction), one of his originals and Christmas songs for the season. Voice Print and Bathiya and Santhush with Umariah, Randir and Ashanthi too partook in this event and a special performance by the kids of Preethipura Children’s Home.
Emmanuel has used his popularity to support worthy projects. Appointed a Director on the Board of Bully Zero Australia he helps to bring its vision alive to protect and empower Australian children and adolescents, so that they may live a fulfilling life, free from any form of bullying.
Emmanuel is also an Ambassador of the Green Supercamp, a partnership between the world-renowned Green School & Supercamp, the world leader in summer enrichment camps for students. Green Supercamp empowers global citizens and green enthusiasts who are inspired to take responsibility for sustainability.
He is an Ambassador of Melbourne’s Wesley Mission Victoria which began in 1893. The Mission’s work was based on a concern for people in need, particularly those who were abused, addicted, homeless, or impoverished. Since the beginning, the Mission has been known for its outspoken advocacy for social reform.
Over the last year Emmanuel has released two singles, one dedicated to mothers called A Song For Edis and Dream Big which is featured in the U.S movie ‘Crooked Arrows’. He has produced, recorded and written with U.S and Canadian song writers, performed gigs around the USA including at the MGM Grand, and has even auditioned for the hit program Glee. He hopes to appear on this show in 2014.
In Emmanuel’s words “I may not have the greatest voice or looks but I do have a passion to sing for the world.”
