Jade’s all set for singing final

A TEENAGE singer from Finglas is taking part in a prestigious talent show final on May 2, despite suffering from a learning difficulty that can often damage self confidence.

Jade Kelly, who’s originally from Cabra, was first diagnosed with Dyslexia in primary school when aged just four. Her mum, Marilyn, enrolled her in a Saturday school to help with her education but Jade continued to have difficulties learning.

“It’s been a major struggle,

? Marilyn said.

“We’ve always struggled with the education system to get resources.

?

Jade and the rest of the Kelly family have come to terms with her condition and Marilyn is keen to let other families know that while Dyslexia can be a real difficulty, it doesn’t have to shape the lives of those who have it.

“We were very open about the fact that Jade has dyslexia and never kept it a secret,

? she said.

“There’s a broad spectrum of how you can be affected when it comes to Dyslexia. People think it’s just about words and numbers appearing upside down but it can affect spatial awareness, cause anxiety and made it difficult to communicate. It can be very hard for a child to cope.

?

Jade’s admits her Dyslexia sometimes gets in the way but she’s still confident of putting on a star performance on May 2.

“It affects me a lot because I can’t remember song lyrics that well so I have to keep repeating them to myself,

? she said.

“I get really nervous before I go on sometimes in case I forget the words.

?

Jade registered for Teenstars last June on the advice of singer/songwriter Kim Hayden, a former finalist of RTE’s The Voice. Jade’s mum had met Kim by chance and the singer agreed to help the youngster with singing lessons.

Jade learned she’d passed the audition stage for Teenstars last August. There were 1,200 entries from all around Ireland but the St Dominic’s College pupil made it through each stage of the competition before taking part in the All-Ireland semi-final last month.

Jade’s family were out in force for that performance, sporting Jade t-shirts and waving banners as news came through that she was a winner. She’s now really looking forward to being on stage again on May 2.

“I can’t wait. I didn’t think I’d make it to the final,

? she said.

“I was really nervous on stage and I thought I didn’t do that well. When my name got called out I thought I was going to cry. I just ran up and I was shaking and everything. I couldn’t believe it.

“My friends are delighted, they all want to come to the final. I hope I get into the top ten or top five.

?

Jade wants to study singing, acting and dancing after her Leaving Cert, a wish that has the full support of mum Marilyn.

“Jade has been singing since she was about seven,

? she said.

“Anybody who has any learning difficulties always has some other talent they have. They’re always creative in some way, and with Jade it’s music.

“I think she’s amazing and I’m very proud of her. I think she can hold her own in the final and she’s in there with a chance.

?