After competing in the latest series of CBBC’s Got What It Takes, we saw Kyra West take part in several challenges every week where she also met guests such as The Vamps along the way. Kyra is now one of the presenters on Top This, which is a new weekly web series on CBBC. We spoke to Kyra about how she got into singing, what it was like appearing on Got What It Takes and what her plans are for the future.
Did you watch the first series of Got What It Takes and are you friends with any of the first series contestants?
I watched parts of Series 1 and it looked fun. I recently met some of them when we took part in Pitch Battle S2 vs S1. They were all so friendly and lively like us.
How did you choose your semi-final song?
I wanted an upbeat song. Something different from what I would normally do like a ballad.
Was the show how it looks on TV, how much gets edited out?
It’s very similar, but of course bloopers get cut out.
How long did the whole Got What It Takes experience last for?
It lasted a few weeks which was very intense and fun at the same time.
Would you consider going on any other talent shows such as The X Factor in the future?
I don’t know if I would but we’ll have to see.
You had the chance to meet singers such as Calum Scott and The Vamps on the show, what was that like?
It was AMAZING!!! They were all so cool especially Calum Scott. They gave great advice about the industry and working hard. It was so hard to keep a straight face around them. It was such an amazing experience.
Were they the first ‘famous’ people you met or had you ever met anyone before the show?
No, that was my first time.
How do your friends find it now you’ve been on TV?
My friends have been very supportive. I’m lucky to have them around.
What was it like working alongside Lauren Platt and David Tench?
David and Lauren were both amazing. Lauren would always check in on us to see if we were okay. David was fun too but very serious when it was time to work. They were fab.
How did you get into singing?
I’ve heard stories of me starting when I was in nappies. Everyone seems to recall me singing and dancing to Hopeful by Faith Evans whenever she appeared on MTV. I’ve always loved singing for as long as I can remember. It’s a way of expressing what I’m feeling.
What was it like having all the mums there and what was it like seeing them compete in the challenges?
It was epic hearing about all the challenges our mum’s had to do. I loved the horse challenge the most. I liked the platinum disc challenge the least because mum had me gunged.
Was there any song which you didn’t like, but ended up liking, or vice versa on the show?
I found a lot of them challenging because they weren’t my style and I wasn’t familiar with the lyrics at first, but I ended up liking most of them especially after we added our own twist to the songs.
Who would you like to see in concert, which you haven’t seen yet?
I would love to see and do a duet with Zayn Malik. I think he’s amazing.
You’ve uploaded a cover of Pillow Talk by Zayn Malik. Do you have any plans to release any more covers?
I’m currently working on some covers on the studio.
What was your favourite challenge on the show?
I loved all the challenges, but I really enjoyed the music video challenge the most. I had so much fun filming it.
What are your musical plans for the future?
I really want to take my time and work on some covers. I also want to do more gigs in the future.
Follow Kyra on:
Watch Kyra’s new CBBC show Top This
Categories: home, Interview, Talent Shows, Young Performers
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