Part of the Etc.
Billingham rocker Craig Carter has been winning over young fans with a whistle-stop tour of Teesside primary schools.
The singer, who is a contestant on hit TV talent show The Voice UK, was last seen by the schoolchildren when he played the Genie in a festive production of Aladdin.
Paying a return visit to the schools, this time without the fancy costume, the FdA Performing Arts student who is currently studying at Stockton Riverside College in partnership with Teesside University, received nothing short of a celebrity’s welcome.
“It was lovely to go back to some of the schools where I performed in panto this Christmas and for the children to not only recognise me but also to be really excited to have seen me on TV,” he said. “I wasn’t sure they would even know who I was but they were all really enthusiastic.”
Dropping in to Whitehouse Primary School in Stockton, Sacred Heart Primary and Archibald Primary schools in Middlesbrough, Carter took the time to chat to the youngsters, answering lots of questions and dishing out plenty of high fives. He even played judge at Sacred Heart where the children were holding their own talent contest.
Sacred Heart assistant head teacher Kerry Mallam said: “In the school we are doing a lot on inspiring the children, helping them to believe they can achieve anything. To have Carter come in was a great inspiration boost for them and he got to see some of the children perform.”
Of his visit to Whitehouse Primary, head teacher Shona Randle said: “The children were thrilled to have Carter visit the school and talk to them about his experience about being on The Voice UK.
“It was lovely to have the “Genie” from the pantomime come back and see us and entertain us with his stunning voice. The children and staff wish him well for the next stage of his adventure.”
Zoe Smith from Archibald Primary School said: “The children were absolutely buzzing, they were so excited for the visit. Because Carter was the genie in the pantomime and then came back to speak to them about his experience, the children feel like they really know him.
“We are a Royal Shakespeare Company School, so our children do a lot of performing. The fact that Carter is local and said he started singing when he was younger will be a great inspiration to a lot of them.”
Carter, 29, impressed coaches on The Voice UK during blind auditions with Gavin Rossdale, Sir Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson all turning their chairs for him.
Choosing to work with Bush frontman Gavin, the former Billingham Campus School pupil will now proceed to the show’s battle rounds which will see him go head to head with a fellow contestant.
Carter said: “I am really enjoying the experience and making the most of every opportunity. I really appreciate all the support I have received so far. I loved going to the schools and being able to entertain the children and it’s amazing to think I could inspire them.”
The singer, who is a contestant on hit TV talent show The Voice UK, was last seen by the schoolchildren when he played the Genie in a festive production of Aladdin.
Paying a return visit to the schools, this time without the fancy costume, the FdA Performing Arts student who is currently studying at Stockton Riverside College in partnership with Teesside University, received nothing short of a celebrity’s welcome.
“It was lovely to go back to some of the schools where I performed in panto this Christmas and for the children to not only recognise me but also to be really excited to have seen me on TV,” he said. “I wasn’t sure they would even know who I was but they were all really enthusiastic.”
Dropping in to Whitehouse Primary School in Stockton, Sacred Heart Primary and Archibald Primary schools in Middlesbrough, Carter took the time to chat to the youngsters, answering lots of questions and dishing out plenty of high fives. He even played judge at Sacred Heart where the children were holding their own talent contest.
Sacred Heart assistant head teacher Kerry Mallam said: “In the school we are doing a lot on inspiring the children, helping them to believe they can achieve anything. To have Carter come in was a great inspiration boost for them and he got to see some of the children perform.”
Of his visit to Whitehouse Primary, head teacher Shona Randle said: “The children were thrilled to have Carter visit the school and talk to them about his experience about being on The Voice UK.
“It was lovely to have the “Genie” from the pantomime come back and see us and entertain us with his stunning voice. The children and staff wish him well for the next stage of his adventure.”
Zoe Smith from Archibald Primary School said: “The children were absolutely buzzing, they were so excited for the visit. Because Carter was the genie in the pantomime and then came back to speak to them about his experience, the children feel like they really know him.
“We are a Royal Shakespeare Company School, so our children do a lot of performing. The fact that Carter is local and said he started singing when he was younger will be a great inspiration to a lot of them.”
Carter, 29, impressed coaches on The Voice UK during blind auditions with Gavin Rossdale, Sir Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson all turning their chairs for him.
Choosing to work with Bush frontman Gavin, the former Billingham Campus School pupil will now proceed to the show’s battle rounds which will see him go head to head with a fellow contestant.
Carter said: “I am really enjoying the experience and making the most of every opportunity. I really appreciate all the support I have received so far. I loved going to the schools and being able to entertain the children and it’s amazing to think I could inspire them.”
