John Millard Photography
18-year-old Jarrow singer-songwriter Savannah Lily has described performing at this year’s Sunday for Sammy concert as “an absolute honour” after taking to the stage at the Utilita Arena Newcastle in front of more than 5,500 people – twice in one night.
The talented young artist, a Sunday for Sammy grant recipient, was part of the charity’s landmark 25th anniversary show – its first in six years following the pandemic hiatus – sharing the same bill as global stars including Sting, Lewis Capaldi and Matty Healy.
Gateshead College
Savannah, who studies at Gateshead College, credits her tutors for encouraging her to apply for the Sunday for Sammy grant that ultimately led to her arena appearance.
Savannah explained. “My tutor gave me the application, and I filled in the form, got offered an audition and turned up to a panel that was literally royalty in the industry.”
Following a successful audition, Savannah was awarded a grant and kept in touch with Sunday for Sammy producer Ray Laidlaw, who began offering her performance opportunities around Newcastle. Then came the email that changed everything.
“He just said, ‘Pencil in February 15th – don’t tell anyone.’ I was like, ‘No way!’ It’s the first show they’ve done in six years, and to be part of the 25th celebration was just incredible.”
For the arena performance, Savannah delivered a stunning rendition of I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt — a song she has performed for several years.
“It’s such a beautiful, vulnerable ballad that everyone knows,” she said. “I sang it at my audition. When Ray emailed to say he wanted me to sing that song at the show, it was an absolute pleasure. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
CharleshotNE
Music has always been part of Savannah’s life. Singing since the age of five, she grew up in a musical household – her sister is also a singer, and her dad composes for TV and film. She began in musical theatre before carving out her own path, increasingly influenced by country music.
“I kept getting told I’ve got a bit of a country twang to my voice,” she said. “My dad used to play country music all around the house and I just grew to love it.”
Savannah first came to national attention when she appeared on The Voice Kids UK at just 14, later becoming a finalist in 2021. Following the show, she released her debut single – a rendition of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John – the song she performed at her Blind Audition.
She has since released original singles including Twisted (2022) and most recently No More, continuing to develop her distinctive country-tinged pop sound while studying at Gateshead College.
Despite the scale of the arena crowd, Savannah says the experience quickly felt natural.
“It was obviously nerve-wracking, but everyone backstage – the crew, the runners – made me feel so comfortable. I had about five people around me before the curtains opened saying, ‘You’ve got this.’”
After rehearsals with the house band, she stepped onto the stage for the first show.
“When they introduced me, the band were clapping. I did a little shake and thought, ‘I’ve got it.’ I just went into the zone. By the second show, I thought, I’m just going to enjoy this – no nerves – and give it my best.”
Backstage, Savannah also had the chance to meet some of the night’s biggest names. She introduced herself to Matty Healy, who had previously visited Gateshead College on the one day she happened to be absent.
“I told him I was the one who’d been off sick when he came in! He asked what I was performing and when I said, ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, he said that’s one of his top five favourite songs and that he’d be in the audience. No pressure!”
She also shared a surreal breakfast-queue moment with Lewis Capaldi. “I just passed him and thought, ‘What is going on?’ He was lovely.”
Sunday for Sammy producer Ray Laidlaw said: “As a Sunday for Sammy grantee, Savannah Lilly represents the next generation of North East talent to emerge and with support from her tutors and peers at Gateshead College, the future looks bright for her.”
Her latest single, No More, is out now.
John Millard Photography
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Photos: Savannah Lilly on stage at the Sunday for Sammy concert ( Sav 1 and Sav3 John Millard Photography)
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Behind the scenes shot (Gateshead College)
PR and Media including interview requests keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951 Photo: The Dingwall family in their showroom (Steve Brock Photography)