SCOTTISH singer-songwriter Lewis McLaughlin has claimed a place on a main stage at Glastonbury Festival 2022 by winning the Emerging Talent Competition.
McLaughlin, 20, performed alongside fellow finalists Amahla, Crae Wolf, English Teacher, Nia Wyn, SOFY and Zola Courtney at the competition's live finals at Pilton Working Men’s Club.
Another performer, Smoothboi Ezra, was unable to take part due to illness so will perform at next year's finals instead.
After getting Pilton 'bouncing', McLaughlin was announced as this year's winner - securing him a slot on one of the main stages at the festival and a £5,000 talent development prize from the PRS Foundation.
East London rapper Crae Wolf and Leeds four-piece English Teacher were named as the runners-up.
They will both receive a £2,500 talent development prize from and a slot at the festival.
This morning, Glastonbury Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis tweeted: “What a night, so many great bands, all playing in the final of our ETC.
“Congratulations to Lewis and Crae Wolf, as well as English Teacher.
“As the standard was so high all night long, we are giving every finalist a gig at this year's festival!”
After being announced as the winner, McLaughlin said: “Heading home with sore heads and happy hearts. See you in June, Glastonbury!
“Honestly so stunned, all the other acts were incredible. Big thanks to all the judges and everyone involved in the competition.”
Huge congratulations again to @LewisSings who won our 2022 Emerging Talent Competition in Pilton last night. Also congrats to the two runners up @CraeWolf and @Englishteac_her. All seven acts will get a slot at this year's Festival!
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) May 1, 2022
See more pics at https://t.co/uYGVntWxbK pic.twitter.com/FcGb7l0Sca
The last Emerging Talent Competiton was held two years ago and won by R.A.E, who will join this year's Glastonbury Festival line-up after the 2020 and 2021 festivals were cancelled.
The competiton is supported by PRS for Music and the PRS Foundation and the judges included Emily Eavis, Glastonbury stage bookers and music business professionals.
Emerging Talent Competition entrants added to festival line-up
In October, festival organisers confirmed that Billie Eilish will become the youngest-ever solo headliner when she takes to the Pyramid Stage on the Friday night.
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney will headline the Pyramid Stage on the Saturday night - as he did in 2004 - before American rapper Kendrick Lamar brings the curtain down on the Sunday night.
In recent weeks, the festival has announced four other stage line-ups.
The Field of Avalon area will feature McFly, Sugababes and The Damned, while Fatboy Slim will perform at Silver Hayes.
This year's Glasto Latino performers have also been confirmed, while comedians including Nish Kumar, Josh Widdicombe, Kerry Godliman and Jonathan Pie will take to the stage in the Theatre and Circus Fields.
Other big names confirmed on Glastonbury full line-up include Lorde, Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Fender, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Pet Shop Boys.
For more information about the festival, visit www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/leisure/glastonbury/.
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