It was a decision that even Simon Cowell would have found tough, but only one act from Friday night's grand final could take home the title of Sunderland's No 1.

After much deliberation the expert panel of judges named 16-year-old Southmoor schoolgirls Sally Carr and Rachel Ward as winners.

Judge Kathleen Davis said: "Their chemistry on stage was fantastic. Their voices worked really well together and their singing was excellent.

"It's rare to find two performers that gel together like that. That's what gave them the edge."

But although the girls, whose story was featured in Saturday's Echo, won overall, there was still a host of other singers who proved they have what it takes to shine in the spotlight.

They included Sunderland group Scarred Lines who won the bands category with an indie version of the Bob Marley classic No Woman No Cry.

The band's been together for three years and includes: Jack Logan, 15, on drums; Cooper, 16, as lead singer and bass guitarist; Nick Birss, 16, on lead guitar; and Phil Davison, 16, who plays the rhythm guitar.
The group has already played gigs at Independent on Holmeside and

Newcastle's Carling Academy, but say that Friday night's show was a particular highlight.

Cooper, a Sunderland High School pupil, said: "We never expected anything like this when we entered, it's a lot bigger contest than we thought it would be. "There are very few people in Sunderland who get to do this kind of thing so we feel proud to have been given this opportunity."

Meanwhile Louise Gray, from South Shields, won the 10 to 13-year-olds' section. The 13-year-old wowed judges with a performance of Colours of the Wind from the Pocahontas film.
She said: "I've been singing since I was four, but I've never had singing lessons. I just love being on stage."

Star turns also came from the Kathleen Davis Dancers and last year's winner Dionne Slater.

Other highlights included The Fashionettes who opened the show with their own take on Rihanna'a No 1 hit Umbrella.

The group, who formed after meeting at Hill View Junior School, includes: Ellie Diamantidis, 11, Claudia Johnston, 11, and Rachel Reeve, 11.

Claudia said: "We loved it. We practise every day so it was really good to sing on a stage."

Ellie's mum Joyce Diamantidis, said: "I am so proud of the girls. I think they have the potential to go far. but as long as they're happy that's what matters."



Courtney's a Crowd Pleaser



Courtney Hodge proved to be one of the biggest crowd pleasers after she scooped a place in the final, thanks to Echo readers.

While 16 of the acts were chosen by the panel of judges from The Bunker, Empire Theatre and Kathleen Davis Stage School, readers decided who should get the final place through our on-line vote.

Ten-year-old schoolgirl Courtney topped the poll after more than 50,000 votes were cast.

She was the youngest performer on grand final night, but her tender years couldn't dampen her enthusiasm.

The Castletown Primary School pupil said: "I was nervous before I went on stage but that stopped as soon as I started singing. I'm really happy, I loved it."

Courtney, who sang the Cascada dance anthem Everytime, added: "I'm so pleased that so many people voted for me. People have been coming up to me in the street and wishing me luck."


The Grand Finallists


The Fashionettes, all 11, from Sunderland, sang Umbrella.
Courtney Hodge, 10, from Sunderland, sang Everytime.
Robyn Casey, 13, from Sunderland, sang Heaven.
Louise Gray, 11, from South Shields, sang Colours of the Wind.
Melissa Franklin, 12, from Sunderland, sang Everytime.
The Early Birds, all 17, from South Shields, sang Helter Skelter.
Scarred Lines, all 16, from Sunderland, sang No Woman No Cry.
The Run Riots, all 15, from Sunderland, sang Someday.
Hannah Jobson, 15, from Washington, sang Fever.
Andrew Cleghorn, 16, from Whitburn, sang Flying Without Wings.
Amber Glover and Danni Gooch, both 16, from Sunderland, sang Tell Him.
Alexandra Woods, 16, from Sunderland, sang On My Own.
Sally Carr and Rachel Ward, both 16, from Sunderland, sang Tell Him.
Lee-Ann Gardner, 16, from Washington, You'll Never Walk Alone.
Laura Douglas, 16, from Washington, Only Hope.
John Tumelty, 17, from Houghton, sang Living The Lie.
Liam Boyak, 18, from Washington, sang Home.