Inverness winner of Highland Hospice’s Ness Factor 2024 says: ‘I feel like I’m in a dream’
The memory of her mother and inspiration of her children were some of the key ingredients that Kay-Lisa Davidson believes helped her win Ness Factor 2024.
The 49-year-old health visitor, who lives in Inverness but is originally from Shetland, didn’t even think she’d be selected for the charity singing contest in aid of the Highland Hospice after having whooping cough during the auditions.
Then during rehearsals prior to last night’s event at the city’s Drumossie Hotel she was blown away by the talent on display.
However, thoughts of her mother Loretta Hutchison, who died suddenly in February this year, as well as the support of her children gave her the extra lift she needed to deliver a crowd-pleasing rendition of Holding out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler.
Cheered on by family and friends, she remembered how her daughter Heather won the Stars in their Eyes charity singing contest in aid of Special Needs Action Project (SNAP) in March by really performing the song, so sought to produce similar magic on stage in front of around 300 people.
“I’m flabbergasted,” she said being crowned winner. “I can’t believe it.”
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would come anywhere near some of these guys.”
She was among the nine acts - 12 singers, including three duets - who raised more than £90,000 overall for the cause.
Kay-Lisa earned the most inspirational fundraiser award for generating more than £10,000 of that sum.
She admitted her nerves about singing meant she focused on fundraising because she thought that was her main strength.
“The fundraising for the hospice is what matters at the end of the day and that’s what the competition really is about,” she said. “I’d have been happy walking away with that [the most inspirational fundraiser award] - that’s the best prize and this [winning the show] is like an added bonus. I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m in a dream.”
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She has also won the opportunity to perform at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2025.
And her message to anyone considering taking part in the future: “Do it. Even if you think you’re not the best singer.
“I knew I could sing but I didn’t think I was that good - and I’m not saying I am that good! But if you can hold a tune go for it. It’s such an amazing experience and you meet amazing people. Every one of those contestants are phenomenal and I’d have been delighted with any of them winning. They are just fab.”
