Saturday, 28 August 2010

A Catholic schoolboy from Moston, Liam McNally, finalist of the TV talent show Britain's got Talent, is to sing at the gathering in Hyde Park for Pope Benedict when he visits Britain next month. 

Liam will perform a choral version of the Our Father in front of 280,000 in Hyde Park and a global TV audience of millions.

Liam, 14, who got through to the final of the TV talent show Britain's Got Talent, was nominated for the honour by Bishop Terence.

Organisers of the Papal Visit were so impressed with Liam’s vocal skills they chose him to open the event on September 18. 

He said:?“It really is a dream come true. When they told me I couldn’t believe it. To sing for the leader of your religion is just a fantastic experience. I’m honoured. Lots of people would love to be in that position.”

St Matthew’s School pupil Liam added: “I’m not nervous. People keep talking about numbers, 100 million watching on TV and stuff, but once I get on stage it’ll just be me singing a song that I have been learning for ages. It’s going to be brilliant.”

Liam says he has been the talk of his church. He explained: “Everyone is jealous and I’m going to be in the VIP area. I don’t know if I am going to meet the Pope. If I did I probably wouldn’t know what to say.”

Liam is hoping to secure a record contract and his manager Dan Waite believes this opportunity could be vital.

He said: “It’s a huge honour for Liam to perform for the Pope and the global audience.”