THE line-up for the third Young Proms charity concert has experienced a last-minute re-shuffle after one of the singers signed a £1million recording deal.
Michael Christie sang bass baritone in the last two Young Proms concerts and shot to fame with his group, G4, in the popular television talent contest, X Factor, last year.
He was due to perform in this year's charity concert at Kidderminster Town Hall but cancelled after his group G4 - which finished in second place in X Factor - signed a record contract with music giants, Sony, earlier this month. The band's debut album is due to be released next month.
Michael became friends with Wyre Forest singer Russell Painter when they were both at The Guildhall School of Music.
The Young Proms charity concert on Saturday, February 5 is being organised by Russell and fellow Wyre Forest singer, Beth Dunn. Proceeds will go to Kemp Hospice.
Michael's spot as bass baritone at the Young Proms will now be filled by Phil Stankley.
District singers, Lauren Tristram, 17, and Laura Bassett, 20, are also singing at the concert, as is Birmingham Conservatoire postgraduate student, Sarah Cotterill, and children from Wyre Forest Young Voices, where Beth and Russell started out.
The role of MC will be filled by CBI director general, Sir Digby Jones, who was knighted in the New Year's Honours, while the usual raffle in aid of Wyre Forest Young Voices will include signed albums by Fleetwood Mac and Simon and Garfunkel.
Beth, who is studying musical drama at Leeds University, said she hoped the concert, which comprises a mix of popular classical numbers and songs from the shows, would generate at least £5,000 for Kemp Hospice.
She added she had been glued to X Factor when Michael was on it.
Her mum, Jane, added: "It's just a shame he can't make it because I'd have been the first on stage to give him a kiss.
"He was so apologetic that he couldn't make it because he said originally that he would be involved but what can you say - he's had a life-changing experience."
She added: "Everyone from around here rooted for him, especially those who knew the Young Proms connection. I said we were the Kidderminster branch of the G4 fan club, so we're all delighted for him."
The previous two Young Proms events raised a total of £13,000 for charity.
Tickets can be obtained from Kidderminster Town Hall.
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