A TEENAGER from Llanrwst was declared the winner during the final of Wales’ search for a star of Junior Eurovision.

Erin Mai, 13, was crowned the winner of S4C’s Chwilio am Seren on Tuesday (September 24) evening. She will now go on to represent Wales and take part in the final round of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Belarus in November.

Erin was chosen in a public vote during a special live event held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

She said: “I never in a million years imagined that I would win Chwilio am Seren Junior Eurovision.

“Everyone who competed on the stage have been amazing. Thanks to everyone for all the support, to Tara [Bethan] and to everyone in Llanrwst.

North Wales Pioneer:

Connie Fisher, Lloyd Macey and Tara Bethan

“I can’t wait to represent Wales in Poland.”

Over the summer, S4C and production company Rondo Media went on tour to find young stars-in-the-making to represent Wales in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. A series of public auditions saw local halls full of young performers, eager to win their place as a Junior Eurovision star.

In September, in a series of four programmes Chwilio am Seren on S4C, individuals and groups faced a panel of highly experienced mentors – Connie Fisher, Lloyd Macey and Tara Bethan.

They had to choose 20 performers to move on to the mentoring process – then the three had to choose the final six to compete in the finals in Llandudno.

Tara, Erin’s mentor, said: “The Chwilio am Seren Junior Eurovision journey has been wonderful. Thanks to everyone who has competed – each and every one of the performers tonight could have represented Wales in the Junior Eurovision. I’m so proud of everyone, and huge congratulations to Erin.

“I got the privilege last year as a mentor to win with Manw, and travelled with her to Minsk to compete in the Junior Eurovision.

“Winning again this year with Erin is absolutely amazing.”

This year is the second time for Wales to compete as an individual country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

Manw Lili from Rhostryfan won her place to represent Wales last year in Minsk, Belarus, performing Perta by Yws Gwynedd on the European stage.

Joining Wales in the grand final of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be 19 competitors from countries including Ireland, Spain, France and Australia.

The final will be broadcast live from Gliwice, Poland on S4C on Sunday afternoon, November 24 at 3pm.