Flawless debut show from Katie Laffan at the Big Break Live

Katie Laffan took the Odessa Club by storm last night, after her extraordinary victory in The Big Break competition, presented by Hot Press in association with Alcatel One Touch.

The 17-year-old from Walkinstown brought the crowd to its feet in what was her first ever live solo performance, before seasoned rockers The Riptide Movement put in a trademark display, bringing proceedings to a close in a raucous and energetic manner.

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes introduced the singer-songwriter saying: "We're very proud to be introducing this talent tonight, to Dublin, to Ireland and to the world."

"After all of the discussion, debate and argument, we believe that we've picked someone of truly extraordinary talent. In her entry we heard songs of wonderful brilliance that we believe could be huge hit records", he continued, before Katie took centre stage.

Three remarkably soulful crowd-pleasers shortly followed, including a delightful cover of the Pussycat Dolls hit 'Don't Cha', leaving onlookers pleasantly surprised by what was the smoothest of live debuts, from the Dublin schoolgirl at the Hot Press – Alcatel One Touch gig.

Lucan-based folk-rockers The Riptide Movement then treated a packed-to-capacity Odessa to a number of brand new tracks from their upcoming, yet-to-be-titled LP. On the basis of this live preview, the new album will see the band raise the bar yet again – and more.

"It was great to play a small venue like this," said drummer Gar Byrne after the gig. "Big shows and small shows are so different to one another, but it's brilliant to go in and play an intimate setting like this."

"Katie absolutely smashed it," he continued, "We're chuffed for her. She has an amazing voice and writes great songs. She's headed for big things!"

Alcatel Ireland's commitment to Irish music is further evidenced with the announcement that Katie Laffan will now appear at the Alcatel One Touch Isle of Man Festival. She joins an already impressive line-up for the July 6 event, which includes Primal Scream, Paloma Faith and Johnny Marr. For more see www.theisleofmanfestival.com

You can read her Hot Press interview in the current issue which is out now. Order this issue