Teodora Birtasevic is a little girl with a big voice. The eight-year-old from Brookfield is all smiles after winning the junior division of the Stars in the West talent quest, a singing competition run by Brimbank Central Rotary Club.
“It was exciting,” she says. “I’d never won [a competition before]. I’d got first place in heats but never in finals.”
The grade 3 Coburn Primary School pupil wowed judges with her renditions of At Last by Etta James, Almost There from the Princess and the Frog soundtrack, and I Know Where I’ve Been from Hairspray.
Mum Lana said Teodora battled with a headache and stomach ache on the day of the competition but was determined to perform.
“It was a challenging day for her, but I said to her, ‘that’s what makes you different and strong’ – and she came first.”
Teodora started weekly singing lessons when she was five after her parents heard her singing to Phantom of the Opera.
She has also started taking piano lessons and often sings with her dad Alex.
As well, she has performed in the kids’ karaoke competition for Mornings on Channel Nine, auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent and placed third in the Fast Track Singing Showcase.
Teodora has also signed on with talent management company Showkidz, and earlier this year she was an extra in Channel Nine’s House Husbands.
The prodigy, who idolises Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Ariana Grande and Bonnie Anderson, dreams of becoming a famous singer in Paris. “I want to be a singer who can dance, play piano and act. I hope my future is great in singing.”
