Pop sensation Nicholas McDonald will be performing at the prestigious event being held at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley this Friday (March 27).

The 18-year-old, who was runner up in the X Factor in 2013, will also be offering tips to the young musicians who made it through a series of scorching heats held over the last few weeks.

Judges had the tough decision of trying to whittle down the competition to 16 finalists from a number of different categories, ranging from age to musical style, at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre this month.

The competition aims to uncover the best young musicians, choir singers or local bands and help them on the road to success.

Nicholas, also known as ‘Nicky,’ from Motherwell, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the young talent and it’s great because there’s not that many opportunities for musicians in Scotland.

“It will be great to see them show off their talent and I’d really like to help boost their confidence by telling them that they don’t need to worry and just to try their best.

“My life has changed so much since the X Factor. I mean last year I performed 153 shows and have been recording my second album now in LA.

“It’s crazy how young I am yet all the amazing experiences I’ve had performing. I think competitions like these are a great way to find local talent.” In November 2013, Nicky was competing to win a £1million record contract on ITV’s The X Factor. This year, he is recording parts of his second album in LA.

“It’s crazy how much X Factor has changed my life,” Nicky said. “You also never know who is going to be in the audience at any type of talent show, it could be scout or someone from a record label, so I think it’s great that Quest4Talent does this competition for young people.

“I’m looking forward to Friday. I’d like to say to the finalists that it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, just try your best.” This year, there are two categories — vocal and musical theatre — with them being split into three age groups; 6-11, 12-25 and musical theatre, 13-25 years. The winners of the musical theatre category have been announced as Kelsey Kerr, Colby Reid, Becky Deveney and Kirsty McEachran.

And in the musical theatre section for 6 to 12 years, Chiara Smith, Sara Cartwright, Alex McGinty and Hollie Robinson made it through.

Diane Mitchell, event organiser, said: “We have such a high standard of entries and it’s very exciting to see the level of talent across the whole area.

“I started up the idea for Quest4Talent seven years ago as I’ve always been interested in music and watching how young people can develop.” The event will be hosted by Your Radio Station Manager Gary Marshall and judges will include Jean Johansson and Shaaron Graham, principle GAMTA.

The finals, which will include a host of guest performers including X Factor singer Emily Middlemas, will be held at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley on March 27.

Tickets can be bought on the door on the night or in advance via PACE Theatre Company 0845 1305218. They are priced £12 for adults and £6 for children.

Pop sensation Nicholas McDonald will be performing at the prestigious event being held at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley this Friday (March 27).

The 18-year-old, who was runner up in the X Factor in 2013, will also be offering tips to the young musicians who made it through a series of scorching heats held over the last few weeks.

Judges had the tough decision of trying to whittle down the competition to 16 finalists from a number of different categories, ranging from age to musical style, at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre this month.

The competition aims to uncover the best young musicians, choir singers or local bands and help them on the road to success.

Nicholas, also known as ‘Nicky,’ from Motherwell, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the young talent and it’s great because there’s not that many opportunities for musicians in Scotland.

“It will be great to see them show off their talent and I’d really like to help boost their confidence by telling them that they don’t need to worry and just to try their best.

“My life has changed so much since the X Factor. I mean last year I performed 153 shows and have been recording my second album now in LA.

“It’s crazy how young I am yet all the amazing experiences I’ve had performing. I think competitions like these are a great way to find local talent.” In November 2013, Nicky was competing to win a £1million record contract on ITV’s The X Factor. This year, he is recording parts of his second album in LA.

“It’s crazy how much X Factor has changed my life,” Nicky said. “You also never know who is going to be in the audience at any type of talent show, it could be scout or someone from a record label, so I think it’s great that Quest4Talent does this competition for young people.

“I’m looking forward to Friday. I’d like to say to the finalists that it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, just try your best.” This year, there are two categories — vocal and musical theatre — with them being split into three age groups; 6-11, 12-25 and musical theatre, 13-25 years. The winners of the musical theatre category have been announced as Kelsey Kerr, Colby Reid, Becky Deveney and Kirsty McEachran.

And in the musical theatre section for 6 to 12 years, Chiara Smith, Sara Cartwright, Alex McGinty and Hollie Robinson made it through.

Diane Mitchell, event organiser, said: “We have such a high standard of entries and it’s very exciting to see the level of talent across the whole area.

“I started up the idea for Quest4Talent seven years ago as I’ve always been interested in music and watching how young people can develop.” The event will be hosted by Your Radio Station Manager Gary Marshall and judges will include Jean Johansson and Shaaron Graham, principle GAMTA.

The finals, which will include a host of guest performers including X Factor singer Emily Middlemas, will be held at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley on March 27.

Tickets can be bought on the door on the night or in advance via PACE Theatre Company 0845 1305218. They are priced £12 for adults and £6 for children.