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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
James Holt

Amazing video shows boy, 11, wowing crowds with Whitney Houston ballad on Market Street

A talented 11-year-old wowed crowds in Manchester on New Year's Eve as he belted out Whitney Houston's 'I Have Nothing'. Alfie Andrew is a regular on the streets of Manchester city centre, most recently serenading bustling Market Street on December 31.

As shoppers were going about their day, many stopped in awe to watch the youngster, who performed a set of songs for about an hour to huge applause.

Alfie, who previously received vocal coaching after being scouted for The Voice Kids, has now been receiving a flood of offers to perform at various events, including a festival in Indiana, USA.

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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, his dad, Ste, said Alfie was 'trying to sing before he could talk' at the age of just one, mimicking Jessie J on stage at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"We don't know where his talents have come from, we suspected his mum's side of the family because her dad was very good at playing the electric guitar," he said.

"He hasn't had any training or lessons at all. He is completely self taught. The first time was when he went on the Voice Kids and he had vocal coaching and he already knew a lot about what the coach was talking about.

"The producers told him he should go busking to build up his confidence, which put the idea in his head to try it, and he absolutely loves it. He doesn't get nervous at all. If he can't get a spot on Market Street he isn't happy, because he wants a big crowd."

The youngster, who attends Priestnall high school in Heaton Mersey, previously went viral on social media site Tik Tok and made headlines after he was seen busking in Manchester to raise money for the children of Ukraine, back in March.

Alfie, from Reddish, regularly shares videos of himself singing songs to his Facebook page, including to the likes of Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish and Celine Dion, which get upwards of 30,000 likes.

"Singing is all he has ever wanted to do. He isn't like a typical kid playing video games - he comes straight in from school and just wants to go upstairs and sing," Ste added.

"We've had people ring us to offer help in the future within the music industry, but he is still young so want to protect him.

Alfie heads out into Manchester alongside supportive dad Ste a couple of times every month to busk in the city centre. Videos of Alfie can be found at his Facebook page Alfie Andrew Music.

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