Anyone who’s anyone will have come across the rising star who is Isla McManus.
The 8-year-old from North Belfast found fame when her rendition of ‘Dance Monkey’ went viral – gaining over 1 million views from fans across the world.
Her infectious energy and beautiful voice are enough to turn anyone upside down – something which she loves to do (“She loves the limelight more than anything,” mum Alana Patterson said).
But it turns out there is another very important meaning behind the young star’s performances.
Mum Alana, 35, said: “She’ll tell you herself, because she’s autistic, it’s a way to self soothe herself to regulate and calm herself down.
“She’s very proud. She’ll say, ‘I’m unique, I’m different and I don’t want to be like everybody else’.
“I hope she stays that way in the future. I know she’s going to have her wee ups and downs as she gets older but at the minute she’s very proud of who she is and I love that.”
And since her content went viral, Isla has not only been improving her own confidence, but that of other autistic children too.
Her mum said: “I’ve had messages from people all over the world saying that Isla has inspired them and they’ve shown their kids and they absolutely love her.
“It’s also helped a lot of parents. When your child gets the diagnosis, you do fear the future […] but giving some parents some insight into later years after the struggles that we’ve had. It’s just so nice to be able to tell people and help people.”
In a matter of weeks, Isla has featured in newspapers, websites and radio shows. She even gets recognised in the shops.
“She’s so proud,” Alana said, “She’s got all her wee newspaper clippings up in her room and she looks at them all the time.”
While Isla may be confident when it comes to the camera, she has not gone without her own challenges.
Mum Alana said: “She’s at an age where she’s feeling different from her peers and she’s starting to realise how different she is. But she now understands that it’s ok to be yourself and it’s ok to be unique.
“She’s very proud of who she is at the minute and I hope it does stay that way because she’s amazing, no matter what her wee struggles are.”
Despite her difficulties, Isla remains an ambitious young singer. Even being hospitalised with Covid twice was not enough to knock her down.
Asked what the future has in store for Isla, her mum said: “When you ask her she’ll tell you something totally different every time.”
Whichever path Isla chooses, one thing is certain - this young superstar will go a very long way.
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
