Ness Factor 2024 contestant Rua Nicole Connell hoping to use singing competition to re-launch music career years after dream nearly died
While many Ness Factor contestants are stepping out of their comfort zone, for Rua Nicole Connell it feels like something of a homecoming to music.
The pupil support assistant from Cromarty had studied for a music degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands years ago, before having to give it up due to personal circumstances.
Back then she would play gigs on a somewhat regular basis too, being part of the wedding band City Limits and even winning Johnny Foxes’ singing competition Fox Factor back in 2019.
After some years out, and then suffering from whooping cough earlier this year, Ness Factor seemed like the perfect challenge to be that gateway back into performing then, and Ms Connell is hoping it can be a mutually beneficial experience.
“It was just a nice way for me to reintroduce myself back into that scene, and into that environment again, and do something worthwhile at the same time,” she explained.
“I really did miss it, but circumstances can sometimes really affect how you live your life. Music went to the bottom of my list of priorities, and work and family commitments took over.
“It has actually been really nice to get back into it, and it has given me the bug again.
“It has helped my confidence quite a lot, engaging with the whole programme has been great. I was absolutely terrified, I’m not going to lie, but I knew that it was something like this that I needed.
“I’m hoping that it can become a springboard for me musically, because being involved with the charity gives you exposure as well.
“I want to sing at Belladrum next year! I want to re-launch my music career, which is my love in life. It inspires me and my daughter, and it’s part of everything I do.
“I’m hoping that it’s going to be mutually beneficial for both of us, and that it will give me the confidence to keep going this time.”
That musicality has fed into Ms Connell’s fundraising, with a gig at the Old Brewery in Cromarty scheduled for October 12 just a couple of weeks before Ness Factor’s show night.
She has also already ran a Guess The Bear’s Name competition and auctioned off tickets for Belladrum 2024, as well as running a fun day last month.
On top of reigniting her passion for music and raising money for Highland Hospice, though, there is also the motivation to inspire daughter Sky to follow her dreams too.
“She is made up,” Ms Connell added.
“She said to me at the fun day that she couldn’t believe I pulled it off, and that I was surprising her week in and week out.
“I hope that I’m showing her the strength and fortitude it takes to get through hard times and get the benefits at the end.
“It has been great being a role model for her, and I’m so proud of that. I cannot wait to get up on that stage now and show what I can do.”
• Donate to Rua Nicole’s JustGiving to raise money for Highland Hospice through Ness Factor 2024 here
