Predictions are that this year's Ness Factor singing contest in Inverness for Highland Hospice could be the best yet
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The vocal talents of all nine Ness Factor finalists are improving by the week a singing coach says.
The final will take place on November 2 at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, and participants are working closely with their specially assigned voice coaches to make sure they give their best performance on the night.
Nine finalists are raising funds for Highland Hospice which has organised the annual competition.
Coach Tony Henry said all his three finalists were gaining in confidence and their voices were improving as the weeks went by.
He added: “Brian Paxton has done extremely well. He is progressing well and he is extremely committed. His voice has got consistently stronger.”
Mr Henry said another finalist, Michelle Gamble, was making similar progress and added: “As Michelle’s voice is getting stronger she has got more confident and I am getting her to sing songs that she would not have considered.”
He said the third finalist, Caroline Devine, was also gaining confidence and was enjoying the whole process. He added: “It is a very positive experience right now.”
Mr Henry, who is also coaching all nine finalists for the group song, said: “I am really pushing them to get the best out of their voices. I think the standard this year is very high and it is a group of very strong singers. I do think this is going to be potentially the most exciting year.“
An experienced singer Mr Henry coaches at his Highland Voices Singing Academy and is the choirmaster of Highland Voices Choir.