- Music
- 03 Mar 04
Ruth-Anne Cunningham, a 17 year-old student, took home the grand prize last week at the Jacob's Song Contest
Ruth-Anne Cunningham fended off the stiffest of competition to win the 2004 RTE/Jacob's Song Contest in Dublin's Vicar St.
A former Billy Barry Stage School pupil, the 17 year-old was given the nod – and €10,000 worth of Yamaha musical equipment – after a rabble-rousing rendition of her 'Battleground' composition. Accompanying her on stage were Dolce Vita, the girl group managed by former OTT man Niall O'Neill.
Says one observer: "There was a definite Destiny's Child thing going on with plenty of bling and booty-shaking. The jury's out, though, as to whether Ruth-Ann will attract the same level of A&R interest that Laura Isibor did after winning the 2003 competition."
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Indeed, Isibor is said to be on the verge of signing a major deal with Atlantic Records.
Beaten into second place by the closest of margins was Orlaith Gilcreest, an 18-year-old from Letterkenny whose 'Wide Eyes' was equal parts Tori Amos and P.J. Harvey. Most definitely one to watch.