Just eight talented finalists were selected to perform at the live talent show, after their audition videos were selected by the panel of judges.
The finalists, who performed in front of a packed live audience and Birmingham's Mayor, included a soul singer business administrator from Ipswich, a crooner care assistant from Essex, care home staff-turned harmony choir from Cardiff, an activity and wellbeing officer magician from Glasgow, a care home admin officer powerhouse singer from Barnet, an Indian dancer healthcare assistant from London and a Makaton singing choir made up of staff, community members and residents from Worcestershire.
On the day, however, it was Saxophonist Oladayo Ojekanmi from Liverpool who was crowned the winner for the energy of his performance.
Ola works as carer at 365 Support, which is a residential care service for users dealing with mental health illness. He receives a cash prize and is invited to perform at Championing Social Care’s special launch event for Care Home Open Week on June 16 at Loveday Belgravia Care Home.
An ecstatic Ola said: “I’m so grateful to have won this amazing competition simply by doing what I love. It’s been a great opportunity and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience of meeting all the other finalists. Really, we’re all winners.”
In addition to the main prize, the audience had the opportunity to vote for the act they believed deserved a scholarship fund prize. It was won by Kunal Barot, a Bollywood dancer and healthcare assistant at Acton Care Centre, part of Gold Care Homes, won who was praised for bringing his passion of movement to the stage.
Aneurin Brown, Chair of the Care Sector's Got Talent committee, says: “The calibre of talent on display at this year’s Care Sector’s Got Talent event was phenomenal. The judges were blown away by the diversity of talent and the quality of performances on show. Well done to all of our finalists today, but specifically to Ola, who definitely had the X-Factor.
“We’re delighted by how well this event is attended by those that travelled to Birmingham. Care Sector’s Got Talent not only recognises and celebrates the unique and individual talents of our workforce, but it also fosters unity across the sector.”