Watch: Unsigned Edinburgh singer-songwriter performs on Radio 1 Live Lounge after talent search win

A teenage singer-songwriter from Edinburgh says she’ll be pinching herself for a month after performing live on BBC Radio 1.
Edinburgh singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay performs on BBC Radio One's Live Lounge.Edinburgh singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay performs on BBC Radio One's Live Lounge.
Edinburgh singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay performs on BBC Radio One's Live Lounge.

Bonnie Kemplay 19, won the coveted slot after coming out ahead of over 10,000 young hopefuls to claim top spot in Radio 1’s first ever ‘Live Lounge Introducing’ talent search.

The former Broughton High School pupil, who is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, began nurturing her love of performing aged just 11 when she joined a community music club.

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After performing her self-penned song Blushing for the Live Lounge last week, Kemplay said: “I think I’m going to be pinching myself for a month.

“I feel like I’ve been bullet billed into this situation. I haven’t even performed in the last year and now I’m doing a Live Lounge.

“Just to know that my name is going to be next to Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Sam Fender, Celeste, Arlo Parks, it’s just absurd. And it’s an honour.”

Live Lounge host and Radio 1 DJ Claro Amfo said: “Being part of the judging process for our first ever Radio 1 Live Lounge Introducing was a challenging and rewarding process.

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“The top five all had a uniqueness that made us all unanimously excited for their future as artists.

“With that, Bonnie instantly stood out for her lyrical vulnerability, tender yet powerful voice and production skill that will no doubt continue to flourish.

“I just know her performance this week is going to gain her a legion new life long fans.”

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