An original rap, a blindfolded piano performance, a Queen medley, a self-taught saxophonist, a neurodivergent comedian, a Wonka-inspired theatre act, a blues band and a young singer will take to the national stage on 7 October
The full line-up for this year’s Care Sector’s Got Talent Grand Final has been revealed, with eight very different acts preparing to take their talents to the national stage.
The finalists include a care worker who has turned his experience of working in a care home into an original rap, a pianist performing Prince’s Purple Rain blindfolded, a Queen-singing care-home choir, a self-taught saxophonist, a neurodivergent stand-up comedian, a learning-disability performing-arts group, a blues band formed by social-care colleagues and a 19-year-old singer who performs regularly in care homes.
The line-up reflects the breadth of people connected to social care, from people living in supported accommodation and attending specialist services to those providing care and support every day. Organised by Championing Social Care, the competition has received its largest volume of applications in six years and gives finalists the chance to compete for a £5,000 prize at the Grand Final at Care Show Birmingham at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 7 October. The acts will perform live in front of 500 care and healthcare professionals.
Meet the finalists
Reward Jachiang Mangbon – Ashbrook Court, Waltham Abbey
Care worker Reward has turned his experience of working at Ashbrook Court into an original rap celebrating the residents, staff and teamwork that make the care home feel like home. His audition video features residents and fellow staff joining in, while his lyrics highlight the importance of keeping residents safe and the pride he feels in his work. Reward started rapping Christian songs in church when he was 10 and says he has now been able to combine his lifelong love of music with his career in care.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” he says. “I’m so proud to be a carer. I love my job.”
Tom Rose – Avery Elstree View, St Albans
Tom, 23, is swapping his role as a care worker for the national stage after reaching the final with an unusual audition – playing Prince’s Purple Rain on the piano blindfolded. Tom had never played blindfolded before, but the song is so ingrained in his muscle memory that he decided to give it a go. He has played piano since the age of six and says music is a particularly powerful way of connecting with residents, including people living with dementia.
“Music is the closest thing we’ve got to magic,” says Tom.
Avery Songbird’s Choir – Avery Beckenham Park, London
Avery Songbird’s Choir is bringing a little bit of rock royalty to the Grand Final with a Queen medley featuring Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Break Free and We Will Rock You—alongside Freddie Mercury masks, moustaches and a staff member dressed as Freddie himself. The choir was formed after residents who had sung in choirs throughout their lives said they missed it. It now brings together residents, staff and volunteers, with around 10 residents heading to Birmingham for the final.
For choir leader Sorrell O’Sullivan, the group is also challenging outdated ideas about life in a care home. “When you go in a care home, life doesn’t end. It’s just the next chapter,” she says.
Ayomide David Adegbite – Bilton Hall Nursing Home, Harrogate
Kitchen assistant Ayomide, 28, is a largely self-taught saxophonist who discovered Care Sector’s Got Talent while clocking off from work. He started learning the saxophone in 2018 and now performs at paid and voluntary gigs alongside his work at Bilton Hall. Only a handful of his colleagues knew about his musical talent before he entered the competition. He is now hoping to perform for Bilton Hall residents and share his music with them.
“Music is like a shortcut to my happiness,” says Ayomide.
Jacob Reed – Cornwall
Nineteen-year-old professional singer Jacob Reed began performing after joining a school band for his GCSE music course and has since developed a repertoire inspired by some of the greats of popular music, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and Tom Jones. For the past two years, Jacob has also been taking his music into care homes across Cornwall, where residents sing along, dance and enjoy his performances. He was shocked to discover that he would now be bringing his singing to a national stage.
“I couldn’t believe I’m actually a finalist,” says Jacob. “I’m starting to get excited. It’s still good to keep some of the nerves ahead of the big night.”
Koah Jude Fulton – Eden Futures, Pudsey
Koah, 32, has turned her experiences of autism and ADHD into stand-up comedy and is heading for the national final after building her confidence through comedy. While living in Eden Futures supported accommodation, she completed a six-week stand-up course, performed at open-mic nights and began using her experience of neurodivergence as material to help spread acceptance and understanding.
“Traits about myself that I used to hate can now be a source of joy,” says Koah.
New Centre Stage – New Directions’ South Hub, Bootle
New Centre Stage is returning to the competition after winning the People’s Choice Award in 2024. The specialist day service uses song, dance, drama and musical theatre to help adults with learning disabilities build confidence, communication skills and independence. This time, the group is bringing a colourful Wonka-inspired performance to the stage, complete with costumes, props, characters and plenty of musical-theatre energy.
“We see people’s confidence rocket through the year,” says Vicky Bennett, leader of New Centre Stage.
Leaping Frogs – Future Directions CIC, Greater Manchester
What began with a harmonica during the pandemic has grown into a three-piece blues band and a way of bringing people together through music. The Leaping Frogs were formed by Future Directions colleagues Paula Braynion, Kevin Phoenix and Lorraine Chapman, who support adults with complex needs. Over the past three years, they have performed at festivals, community events and social-care conferences. The band expects around 71 supporters to travel to Birmingham for the final.
“We hope people feel joy and connection through our music,” says Lorraine Chapman.
The Care Sector’s Got Talent Grand Final takes place at Care Show Birmingham at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 7 October. Tickets are available from Eventbrite and are free for care and healthcare professionals.
The full final will also be broadcast on the Care Sector’s Got Talent YouTube channel on Friday 9 October at 2.30pm, giving care homes and organisations across the UK the chance to watch and celebrate the finalists.
