Son Jamie inspires singer as he clinches competition win

Oct 6 2011

NICK Clarke, the newly-crowned Solihull Musician of the Year, says he’s suffered with stage fright all his life.

Speaking to the Solihull News, he revealed that the contest was the first time that he has plucked up the courage for a public performance.

And it was the singer’s nine-year-old son Jamie who finally gave him the confidence to sing.

“If he hadn’t been there, I think I would have probably bottled it or found some reason to drop out,” admits Nick, aged 36.

“I’ve sung in the bath and things like that, but even back at school I had absolutely terrible stage-fright.”

He picked two songs to perform in the competition - Josh Groban’s Per Te and Bring Him Home, from Les Miserables.

“I don’t know whether it was having the family there, or the lyrics, but during the second song I got really choked up.

“I mean I’m a big chap, 6ft 5, a former rugby boy, but I thought I was going to burst into tears. I had to go outside afterwards.

“When I found out I had won, that was a bonus and a half. It was such a surreal night looking back.”

Nick, originally from Wales, said that he was planning to perform again now that he’s done it once.

“Even though my hands shake at the mere thought, I think I’d be stupid not to!”