A Co Down singer says she can’t believe she’ll be sharing a stage with the likes of Sam Ryder and KT Tunstall this weekend.
Teenager Mia Morton got the nod for this year’s Dalfest in Glenarm after taking part in a fun talent competition organised by a local McDonald’s restaurant franchisee.
The 18-year-old from Dromore didn’t even win the ‘M Factor’ final – but after a talent-supporting charity saw a video of her performance, they helped pave the way for her to join the star-studded line-up on the opening night of the prestigious festival.
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“It’s unbelievable what’s happened – considering how it all began,” said Mia, a gap year student who works in the Banbridge franchise of McDonald’s.
“I signed up for ‘The M Factor’ just for a laugh after seeing a flyer for the show and was the only employee to get through to the final from the Banbridge restaurant,” she said.
“In the end I didn’t win but was happy with the way I sang, so I sent a video of my performance to Total Talent, without really expecting a quick reply.
“Next thing I knew, however, they’d contacted me and asked me to sing at Dalfest.”
This Saturday's opening night of Dalfest (Dalriada Festival), when established chart acts Blue and the Vamps will also take to the stage, is only the start of the adventure for the young lady with the powerful voice – who, remarkably, was once turned down for a place in her school choir.
Next year she’s off to Nashville to record some tracks under the guidance of veteran country star Leona Williams, ex-wife of the legendary Merle Haggard.
“It’s such a big opportunity for me” said Mia, adding: “If it hadn’t been for McDonald’s Franchisee John McCollum encouraging me to apply for its M Factor competition, none of this would have happened.”
Mia, who will begin studying at the prestigious London College of Music later this year, said she’s more excited than nervous to perform at Dalfest, which usually attracts over 25,000 people to the grounds of Glenarm Castle in the Co Antrim coastal village each year.
“There is nothing more frightening than singing in front of your work colleagues, so hopefully this festival will be much easier,” she said.
The Dromore High School past pupil said she’s grateful to Total Talent – a charitable group which champions local aspiring artists – for offering her a place on the Nashville tour in October 2024.
Her mum Vanessa, a nurse, dad Troy, a self-employed mechanic, and younger brother Isaac couldn’t be prouder of her achievements.
Even if it all feels like a bit of a whirlwind right now, the talented teen is enjoying every minute.
“I don’t think anyone realised I could sing,” said Mia, who’s inspired by artists like Adele, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift.
“When I was six or seven, I auditioned for choir in primary school and I was the only person in the year who didn’t get in. It was the same for the orchestra.
“I was so frustrated that my mum signed me up for flute lessons – and that’s what really got me into music and singing.”
A decade later, she’s rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the business – and reaping the rewards for not giving up on her dream.
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