Katie Laffan Wins The Big Break

Katie Laffan has been announced as the winner of The Big Break, presented by Hot Press, and brought to you by ALCATEL ONE TOUCH.

The 17 year old student, from Walkinstown in Dublin, fended off fierce competition from the four other shortlisted artists, to snap up the coveted first prize. It is a remarkable success for a singer who has yet to play any major gigs.

"She really is a remarkable talent," Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said of the 5th Year school student. "There is a freshness and originality about what she does, which is really exciting, and she has a brilliant voice. Plus she has the ability to write wonderfully catchy indie pop music. It is early days for her – but she really could be a huge star."

The first track she entered, 'Soldier', was a powerful piece of work, which won her a place on the 'long list' of 30 artists, selected from thousands of entries, to go into the last stage but one. When the public vote kicked in, she was heavily supported, ensuring her place in the Final Five.

"It is cruel that there can only be one winner, but that is in the nature of events like this," Stokes added. "The additional material submitted by the Final Five acts was very strong, so it has to be said that there will be heartbreak involved for some wonderful musicians whose work we love. But the judges were unanimous in the end that Katie is one of those unique talents that happen along very, very rarely."

"We don't want to single out any of the other bands because the were all worthy contenders," Hot Press marketing manager Mark Hogan said. "But they have all played their way into our affections. We will be keeping a close eye on their progress and doubtless their time will come too."

Brought to you by ALCATEL ONE TOUCH , The Big Break will see the winner featured on a special flip cover of Hot Press and performing at the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH session, which will take place at a specially selected city centre venue on Thursday, June 6 – with local heroes The Riptide Movement headlining. In addition Katie Laffan will win an ALCATEL ONE TOUCH ULTRA IDOL – the slim-line smart phone of your dreams!

"We are really thrilled for Katie," said Tracey Hudson of ALCATEL ONE TOUCH. "The quality of all of the acts was superb, but she really is very special. At the age of just 17, there is no limit to what she can achieve. Hopefully The Big Break can be the beginning of a great adventure for her."

The Final Five shortlisted acts also included, in alphabetical order, Kodakid, Miracle Bell, The Scenes and Third Smoke.

"The quality of the talent in Ireland right now is astonishing," Niall Stokes added. "Indeed when you look down the list of 30 who made it through to the public vote, there's a plethora of them that have the potential to go the distance and to be really successful. Long may it continue."