Jessica Robinson nominated for Community Champion Award!

Source: gazettelive.co.uk

Amazing for Jess! :D

SHE might not have quite made it over the rainbow but Teesside singing starlet Jessica Robinson has certainly put our region and its talent on the map.


The teenager sang loud and proud about Teesside while competing on BBC Show Over the Rainbow.

And despite finishing fifth in the programme her former dance teacher believes Jessica is still a champion.

So she has nominated the Normanby teenager as a Champion Ambassador in the Gazette Community Champions awards.

“It’s amazing to be nominated,” Jessica, 18, said.

“I’m definitely proud of where I come from and I couldn’t have got where I am today without the support of the area.

“The community on Teesside is great and everybody has always been very supportive towards me.

Jessica reached the final five of hit BBC show Over the Rainbow earlier this year.

The talent show was held to cast the part of Dorothy in musical mogul Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Wizard of Oz musical.

It meant that each week Jessica had to perform in front of a panel of judges including Lord Webber and singing star Charlotte Church, and millions of viewers back home.

Since the programme ended Jessica has gone onto win a scholarship at the prestigious Arts Educational Schools London, in Chiswick.

“I loved the whole experience of being on the show and am enjoying being down here. But I do miss home a bit too.”

Jessica’s former dance teacher Samantha Moore, who nominated the teenager for her award, said the talented teenager had always been destined for big things.

“She was a very good student,” Samantha, who runs the Samantha Moore Performing Arts Academy, said.

“She did a great job promoting Teesside. I think she has really put us on the map and shown that we have some great talent in this area of the country.”

Deadline for entries has now closed.

Jessica now has her own blog!

Hey everyone, some great news our lovely Jessica Robinson recently started blogging! We can now keep up to date with how Jess is getting on at Arts Ed etc - awesome! You can view Jessica's blog by clicking HERE

Jx

Jess to take over Steph's role in Smokey Joe's Cafe from the 20th-22nd of August

Hey everyone, some great news. Our wonderful Jessica Robinson will be taking over Steph Fearon's role in Smokey Joe's Cafe at the Landor Theatre from the 20th until the 22nd of August as Steph will be having an op on her wrist(hope that all goes well for you Steph, much love! xx)

You can buy tickets and get more info HERE

Have a great time if you go! Sure Jess will be amazing!

Jx

Two pictures of Jess + other Dorothy's at Lauren's opening night as Sandy in Grease!

Here are 2 pictures of Jessica, Danielle, Lauren, Dani and Steph at Lauren Samuels opening night in Grease on the 26th of July 2010.





Jx

Boro Show Passion For Footy Fashion

NEW in at the MFC Official retail stores is Boro's summer and autumn fashion range, modelled here by defender Seb Hines and Middlesbrough's own Jessica Robinson.

Boro fan Jessica, who so impressed Andrew Lloyd Webber in TV's Over the Rainbow, was over the moon to help Seb show off the club's footy fashion.

They were joined by Normanby seven-year-old Josh Payne and his brother Noah, four, for a photoshoot around the Riverside Stadium and the town's iconic new Temenos artwork.

The range includes fashion wear for all ages, male and female, including T-shirts and polos ideal for Boro supporters relaxing on their holidays or on sun-drenched days on Teesside.



There are also hoodies and sweatshirts to help keep fans warm when the colder nights draw in and Gordon Strachan's side start their campaign to win promotion back to the Premier League.

The full range is available now at the MFC Official retail stores at the Riverside Stadium and in Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough, together with here at www.mfcofficialdirect.co.uk

Keep an eye out too for the impending delivery of Boro's fantastic new babywear range for all of Teesside's best dribblers!

Group pic

Seb = Foil Crest T/Shirt - Black £18 (Small - XXLarge)
Josh = College Cap T/Shirt - Charcoal £13 (5-13yrs)
Noah = Ikra T/Shirt - Navy Blue £13 (5-15yrs)
Jess = Badge of Honour T/Shirt - Grey £18 (Small - XXLarge)

Jess next to Home Team dug out

Jess = 1876 T/Shirt - Pink £18 (8-16)　

Jess has answered some questions on our forum!

Hey everyone, Jess kindly came on the Jessica Robinson Fan Forum the other night and answered nearly 35 questions for us - how sweet is she?! She actually spent about 2 hours answering them all. Amazing.

You can read them on the forum in the 'Ask Jess' section but you have got to be registered to view the 'Answered Questions' section.

READ THEM ON HERE

Jx

Jessica Robinson - Blondie - Heart Of Glass (Cover)

Here is a video with amazing artwork and recording of Jessica singing Blondie's 'Heart Of Glass'. Jessica's got an awesome recording voice I have to say! Check it out! Wow.




This was for one of Jessica's friends coursework! Im sure he would appreciate some feedback, Jess aswell! Can leave a comment.. Here

Jx

Red carpet for Jessica Robinson at The Mall

SHOPPERS could be forgiven for thinking that reality TV star Jessica Robinson had swapped her dreams for stardom for a job in a fashion store.

The 18-year-old singer from Normanby got behind the till at Top Shop in The Mall in Middlesbrough.

But Jessica admits that although she loves shopping she has no plans for a life in retail.

It was all part of a whistle-stop tour of venues across the town in recognition of her efforts in putting Middlesbrough on the map.

The teenage star of BBC’s Over the Rainbow show was being given the red carpet treatment by the lovemiddlesbrough campaign.

After enjoying lunch at the Thistle Hotel, she visited the Pandora jewellery shop in Captain Cook Square and Top Shop in The Mall.

While she was in Top Shop one shopper who recognised her remarked that she didn’t know Jessica was working there.

She hasn’t got a job there but told the Gazette: “It would be lovely. I spend half my life in here.

“I love shopping. It is one of my biggest hobbies.”

Brand manager Sophie Jobson-Bell joked: “As soon as there is a job at Top Shop we will give her a ring.”

Then it was off to Middlesbrough College to meet assistant principal Martin Peagam, who presented Jessica with a goody bag.

The last leg of her tour took her to Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium, where she was presented with a signed Boro shirt and the promise of a dedicated brick on the Boro Brick Road.

Claire Wordsworth, lovemiddlesbrough campaign manager said: “We’re truly lucky in Middlesbrough to have some fantastically talented and enthusiastic people who love telling the world how great their home town is.

“Jessica’s certainly done that, and this is an opportunity for the town’s ambassadors to say a big thank you.”

Captain Cook Square general manager Lynn Stainsby said: “I watched Over the Rainbow and thought she did a brilliant job to get as far as she did in such a major competition.”

Jessica said she was currently spending some time out with friends and family on Teesside.

She also took to the stage at Middlesbrough Music Live on Sunday with local favourites The Wildcats of Kilkenny for a Pogues-inspired show.

She is due to go to stage school in London in September.

Jessica said: “I got that off my own bat. I really worked my socks off.

“I didn’t get a place there because of the show, I got there on my own.”

Two videos of Jessica singing at Middlesbrough Music Live

Here is two videos of Jessica singing at Music Live in Middlesbrough on the 6th of June 2010! Thanks to Holby_Fan. What a reception Jess got, just amazing! Enjoy!

Fairytale Of New York



I'm A Man You Don't Meet Everyday

Follow The Boro Brick Road

Taken from www.mfc.co.uk

Dorothy Follows The Boro Brick Road

FROM the Yellow Brick Road to the Boro Brick Road, Middlesbrough's own 'Dorothy' Jessica Robinson is encouraging fans to join her in a special feature at the Riverside Stadium.

As a guest of the Love Middlesbrough campaign, the 18-year-old finalist in the BBC's 'Over The Rainbow' competition paid a visit to the Boro Brick Road, which will soon feature a brick dedicated to her success.

Jessica's fellow Boro fans can join her on the Brick Road as Middlesbrough FC is offering supporters the chance to be part of its history for less with a special summer offer.

A popular feature outside the Riverside Stadium, the Brick Road already features inscribed bricks dedicated to more than 6,000 supporters and more than 60 former stars and managers of the club.

MORE INFO HERE

Our Dorothy back on stage

TEESSIDES very own starlet will be making people over the moon this weekend when she takes to the stage at a charity concert.

Jessica Robinson, who reached the final five in BBC One's Over the Rainbow, will appear in Showstoppers, at Middlesbrough Theatre on Sunday, June 6, from 7.15pm, a concert in aid of the Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital.

Jessica, who captivated viewers and the attention of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with her performances and quirky personality, will be treating the audience of the concert to one of her most successful song and dance routines from the TV programme.

Since leaving the show, Jessica has been busy but is making time to support the charity that cares for cancer patients.

Jessica, who is spending time at her Normanby home before moving to London for drama school ArtsEd, said: I am delighted to be taking part in Showstoppers where I will be performing one number. It is for such a great cause.

Also starring in the concert is Good Night Sweetheart, Boon and Casualty actress Liz Carling, along with other talented local performers including Ken Horsley, Simon Dale, Allan Iveson, Sally Emmerson and a chorus of young dancers and singers.

Lynne Gray, deputy manager at the Holistic Cancer care Centre, said: We would like to thank Jessica and everyone taking part in the show. We are certain the event will be an outstanding success.

The show is to be hosted by BBC Tees presenters, Colin Bunyan and Alex Hall.

Tickets are s10 from 01642 815181.

My Jessica Robinson Video!

Hey guys!

I started making a video of Jessica on Over The Rainbiow along to the Benny Hill Theme, quite a good choice of song to start with but then it started to drive me crazy haha, so ive probably missed out quite a bit but I finished some sort of video anyway...
Hope you like it!

WATCH IT HERE

Jx

'Dorothy' star is becoming a bit of a Wildcat

OVER The Rainbow TV star Jessica Robinson is teaming up with a local band for a summer music festival.

The Middlesbrough teenager will perform with The Wildcats of Kilkenny at Middlesbrough Music Live next week.

They will perform The Pogues album Rum, Sodomy And The Lash.

The Wildcats of Kilkenny frontman Mike McGrother said:

"The Pogues are one of the greatest bands ever - obviously a big influence for us - and we've always fancied going the whole hog and playing one of their albums in its entirety, from start to finish, top to bottom.

"We already have a bunch of guest musicians on banjo, tin whistle, mandolin and sax, and Jessica will be the final piece in the puzzle."


Jessica came fifth in the search to star as Dorothy in Over The Rainbow in the West End.

She said: "I was chuffed to bits when Mike got in touch.

It's the first time I'll have sung something by The Pogues live on stage, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"I'm a big fan of Music Live.

I've been for the past few years and I always look forward to the amazing atmosphere there.

"I go with a big group of friends, and we always seem to catch up with people we've not seen for ages. It's like a massive reunion."

Thousands are expected to attend Middlesbrough Music Live on Sunday, June 6. For details, go to middlesbroughmusiclive.co.uk

Jessica on Stars In Their Eyes Kids when she was 13!

Here is a video of Jessica Robinson performing as Natalie Imbruglia on 'Stars In Their Eyes Kids' when she was 13 years old - CUTE. The song is called 'Shiver' what a little star!

Enjoy!




Jx

Come join the all new Jessica Robinson Fan Forum

Hey everyone!

So last night I decided to make a forum for Jessica, everyone is welcome to come join and chat with all the other Jessica fans about EVERYTHING Jessica Robinson! It'll be fun so come, come, come! :D

Here is the link.. Jessica Robinson Fan Forum

Videos of Jessica performing at the Over The Rainbow Final

Here a few videos of Jessica performing with the other finalists at the Over The Rainbow final! Jessica singing and dancing amazingly as always!

Wizard Of Oz Medley



Empire State Of Mind

Over The Rainbow has come to an end!

It's very sad that Over The Rainbow has finished it was a great series, top girls, top performances! Well done to Danielle for winning and Good Luck to all the other girls for the future especially our lovely Jessica! She's a star, can't wait to see her on a West End stage! Oh and of course a special little mention to little cutie Dave who will be Toto!

Jx

Jessica won't give up on dream after Dorothy disappointment + Jessica on BBC 5 Live

Article taken from hartlepoolmail.co.uk

A RISING star who narrowly missed out on clinching a lead role in a West End show is determined not to give up on her dreams of taking centre stage.
Jessica Robinson, 18, may have been knocked out of BBC1 reality show Over The Rainbow at the weekend, but already she is looking to the future.

The talented young performer has her eyes firmly set on her goal to perform on the West End stage and is looking forward to taking up a place at a London stage school in September, where she will train for three years.

Jessica, who is a student at the Northern School of Music, Hartlepool, said: "I'm really proud of myself that I got to the final 10.

"I have had no professional training. I have been to dance classes all my life, but never solid, professional stage school training."

Jessica said she had already secured a scholarship at top stage school Arts Ed, in Chiswick, London, before she entered the contest.

She was one of 10 performers out of 10,000 entrants to make it through to the televised show and was eliminated in fifth place.She said: "I did not expect to get past the top 50 so it was crazy that it's ended up like this.


"I have got a few meetings lined up with casting agents, but it's nothing massive. At the minute, unless something major comes up, I will be doing my training.

"In London I will be in the right place for opportunity."

Surprisingly, Jessica, who is currently back home in Middlesbrough, said she was turned down by another London stage school before she clinched a place at Arts Ed.

She said: "My dream outcome would be to get a lead role and the fact that Andrew Lloyd Webber compares me to people, and the comments I have received from Andrew, it's so amazing to have someone with so much faith in you.

"I have been so lucky to have an opportunity that gives me experience that other girls don't have.

"I totally believe it's for me."

Also listen to Jessica on BBC 5 live Breakfast from this morning..
Here It's about 2hrs 55 minutes in.(LINK NOT WORKING ANYMORE - SORRY. TRYING TO FIND IT AGAIN THOUGH)

Jx

Jessica Robinson on life after Over The Rainbow

Taken from gazettelive.co.uk




JESSICA ROBINSON is still on cloud nine after having what she describes as “the best few month of my life”. She has just returned to Teesside after staring in BBC1 show Over The Rainbow. Reporter Sophie Barley visited the talented 18-year-old at her Normanby home to relive her Rainbow experience and talk about her joy to be home.

HER family, friends, Saltburn beach and Boro parmos were what Jessica Robinson missed the most when she was away from Teesside staring in a hit BBC show.

Jessica, 18, is now coming back down to earth after her dreams became a reality when she made the final five in Over the Rainbow.

The winner of the show will win the lead role of Dorothy in the new West End show, The Wizard of Oz.

Jessica was eliminated from the competition on Sunday despite getting consistently good comments from the judges.

She is now reflecting on the last few months and said the enormity of the experience has still not hit her.


She said: “Now that I am back I can see how massive the whole thing was. When you are down there you are in a bubble. You don’t realise how many people are watching.

“It still hasn’t hit me. People are stopping me in the street and I am finding it so strange.”

Jessica went to St Gabriel’s Primary School followed by St Peter’s Secondary School, in Normanby Road. She then went on to do a performing arts course at Stockton Riverside College.

She gained her performing skills at Middlesbrough Youth Theatre for which she was a member for more than six years.

She said: “I learned everything in Middlesbrough and that’s where it all started.

“I have loved singing since I was about six. But I think the performing side came the first time I stepped out on a stage. Normally you should feel nervous when you go out on a big stage but I didn’t at all. I loved it.”

Jessica auditioned for Over the Rainbow in Manchester in January and said she only went for a laugh.


She said: “I really didn’t expect anything from it. I just thought I would give it a go. But each audition went really well. I got more nervous as it went on but I just took each stage as it came.”

She was eventually picked for the TV finals.

She said: “I always thought I would be really nervous and scared performing live on a Saturday night but you just don’t think about it when you are there. You actually forget the cameras are there and that six million people are watching.



“I loved every show. They were so much fun and as the weeks went by all the girls became really good friends.”

After Jessica performed There You’ll Be by Faith Hill, Andrew Lloyd Webber described her as a “world class performer”.

She said: “I didn’t know what to do when he said that. It was fantastic. To hear that from him is just amazing.

“All the judges were really nice. I liked Charlotte Church a lot. She is so down to earth.


“When she came into one of my auditions she just walked in and said “my heels are killing me” so she just took them off.

“She is great and someone I really looked up to.”

During the show Jessica said she missed home and came home several times for a reality check.

She said: “I did come home quite a bit as I really missed everyone and it was good to get away from it all for a bit.

“One of the things I missed the most were parmos. I love them. I made one of the girls one when we were in London and she loved it.”

Jessica said she was not disappointed to leave the show and will return on Saturday to watch the remaining four finalists battle it out.

She said: “I never ever expected to get as far as I did. I still can’t get over the fact that I made the final five.

“The show has given me invaluable experience in this industry.”

Throughout the show Jessica received huge support from the people of Teesside.

She said: “I want to thank everyone who supported and voted for me. It was amazing and I didn’t expect that at all.”


In September Jessica will start a three year degree at ArtsEd stage school in London after she gained a scholarship to attend.

She said: “I am really looking forward to starting the course.

“From this whole experience I now know that performing is the only thing I want to do.

“Performing in the West End is the ultimate dream.

“When I am on stage I like to make people laugh. It is the best feeling in the world.”

However even the bright lights of London could never take away Jessica’s Boro roots.

She said: “Yeah they will never go. I will always be a Boro lass.”

Jx

Jessica Robinson Digital Spy Interview

Here is a great interview with Jess taken from Digital Spy.

The self-proclaimed "wacky" Dorothy Jessica Robinson had to hand back her ruby red slippers to Andrew Lloyd Webber last night. The Middlesbrough lass failed to win over the public, despite an energetic, umbrella-wielding performance of the tongue-twisting classic 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'. We caught up with Robinson last night to ask about her experiences on the show, her future and, most importantly - those strange facial expressions!

How are you feeling now about your exit? You must be disappointed.
"Not at all! Honestly. I can't believe I got to this stage anyway. It's not meant to be and I'm kind of philosophical about it. Everything happens for a reason. I'm just going to plough through and go on to bigger and better things."

Is it not frustrating that you were only two more good weeks away from the final?
"Do you know what? I think it's a lot easier when you get closer to winning it. I honestly think that makes it easier to leave. I would have been gutted if it had been a couple of weeks ago, because I'd have only been able to showcase a limited amount of myself. I've really shown myself on TV and people have seen a lot of me as a person. I'm really grateful for the weeks that I've been given. I'm not that gutted. Obviously, I would have loved to have made the final. But at the end of the day Alex, I think there is a part out there better suited to me."

When you were in the bottom two with Danielle, there was a chance that Andrew might have saved you. What were you thinking about during that last song?
"You just find a strength from somewhere. The other girls have talked about it in previous weeks. I think you kind of know whether you are going when you are in the bottom two. I knew that Danielle was brilliant, but I just thought, 'I'm not going to let nerves get the better of me if this is my last performance on TV'. So I just went out there and ploughed on through! I went out there and acted my little heart out. I'm not gutted about it at all, though. I just wasn't right for the part at the end of the day. Lloyd Webber has been so complimentary to me in recent weeks, I couldn't ask for anything more than that. He's compared me to Judy Garland and Funny Girl, which is one of my all-time favourite films. It made my life when he said that. To play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl would be a brilliant role for me. It would be far better suited that Dorothy."

What did you think when you found out you had 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' as your song this week?
"When I first got the song, I was like 'what on Earth?!' I think anybody would have felt the same. But then I just sat down and thought, 'I've been given this song, I can't sulk'. Then I started to feel happy about it and decided to just run with it. I wanted to have fun with the song. I'm a bit wacky anyway, so on Saturday I just went out to have fun with it. I came off laughing and I think people could see that I enjoyed myself. I went a bit crazy and gave the performance I wanted to give. It was a funny number and I'm glad I got to perform it."

A lot has been made of your facial expressions on the show. What do you think to the criticism that you may sometimes be over-acting?
"I can't really help it if I've got big eyes really! I've got huge eyes and huge lips. If I had smaller features, I don't think people would notice. I'm really eccentric in that sense. It's always been a part of me. People have slammed me for it and Sheila said that I needed to calm down, but at the end of the day, that is what makes me... me. It makes me stand out and distances me from other people as a performer. I mean Barbra Streisand is totally different to Celine Dion. And in that sense, what distances me from other artists is my facial expressions. People can love it or hate it, but that's me and I'm not going to change it for anybody. I always over-exaggerate absolutely everything. I'm a total drama queen!"

What's it been like living with the other girls in the Dorothy House?
"It's been so much fun. We are like sisters. I don't care what people say. I've heard people saying that during some of the girls goodbye songs that it looks like I'm going to kill people! What on earth! That's not the case at all. We are all so close and I got on with everybody on that show. We've done nothing but support each other through the bad times and the good times. We have takeaways together, sit and watch films together. When someone gets voted off, we are all there for them. We stick together and are friends for life. The other girls are the only people who will know what I've been through."

Jx

Jessica Robinson voted off Over The Rainbow

Article taken from gazettelive.co.uk

TEESSIDE starlet Jessica Robinson said it was “lovely to be home” today after she was voted off BBC1’s Over The Rainbow.


The 18-year-old is back on Teesside after her hope of landing the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz ended last night.

But Andrew Lloyd Webber said Jessica, from Normanby, was a “real star in the making”.

Jessica, who made it into the top five, told the Evening Gazette: “I am feeling absolutely fine and it is lovely to be home and out of the Dorothy bubble. I wasn’t shocked to be voted out as all the other girls are fantastic. The talent was so high.

“Making the top five was always my goal so I am really pleased that I managed to do that.”

Jessica was the second contestant to lose out in the weekend’s double elimination.

Her mum Judith said: “I am so proud of her. She has done incredibly well.

“It is a major achievement and I am absolutely thrilled for her.”

Jessica was forced into a sing-off with Danielle Hope after the pair received the fewest public votes last night.

The pair sang Take That Look Off Your Face from Tell Me On A Sunday in a bid to stay in the contest.

Andrew Lloyd Webber eventually saved Danielle.

He told Jessica: “‘I say this with the heaviest heart in the entire world, Jessica you are so wonderful and quirky, you’re a real star in the making.’’

Jessica, a former pupil of St Peter’s School, in Normanby, is now looking forward to attending leading London drama school ArtsEd, where she has gained a scholarship.

She said: “I have some meetings this week in London about where I can go from here but I am really looking forward to going to ArtsEd in September.

“In the meantime, who knows? It is funny because I was saying to the girls the other day that when I leave the show I was going to try and get a job in Topshop in Middlesbrough. They all told me I was being ridiculous as I wouldn’t need to do that. But I still need some money to prepare for stage school, so who knows.”


Jx

Jessica leaves Over The Rainbow!

Im very sad to see Jessica leave Over The Rainbow as are the rest of her little Monster Munchkins! She was in the sing off with Danielle - which was outstanding! Also Jessica's Over The Rainbow completely blew me away, WOW it was beautiful and very different from the others but of course it was! She took it all so well, she's going to be a star! Can watch the result, sing off and Jessica's Over The Rainbow below.. ENJOY!

The Sing Off



The Result




Over The Rainbow



Jx

Jessica's week 6 performance!

It was Musical Theatre on Over The Rainbow this week, Jessica sang 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and please may I never have to type that again - haha only joking. All I can say is WOW it was outstanding, so much fun!

Watch below... enjoy!



Jx

Jessica Robinson living the dream in Over The Rainbow

Article taken from BBC TEES website.

A Middlesbrough teenager says being part of the BBC's Over the Rainbow talent search is life changing.
Eighteen-year-old Jessica Robinson is a performing arts student at Stockton Riverside College.

She was one of 10,000 contestants to apply for the TV competition and was hand picked to be in the final ten girls.
Speaking to BBC Tees on a short trip home to visit her family she said she wouldn't swap the experience.

Talent on Teesside

"Honestly I wouldn't change it for the world. Even when I'm stood on that stage and getting really tough criticism.

"So many people at home would want to be there and getting the criticism I'm getting - so I'm just taking it all in really."

The singer who lives in Normanby says she's proud of her roots and wants to prove that there is talent on Teesside, but says it is surreal working with Andrew Lloyd Webber who often pops into rehearsals.

Growing Up

Jessica's performances have won her praise from the judges in recent weeks, and she says her continued involvement in the show is helping her to grow up although she admits it's emotional seeing other contestants she's grown close to get voted off:

"We're like sisters and we've grown so close so when you see someone going it's really strange and it seems really empty in the house... at the end of the day you have to think this is the competition and I've just made friends along the way."

There is also a short audio on the website

Jx

Jessica Robinson Enjoying Over The Rainbow

Article taken from gazettelive.co.uk


JESSICA Robinson is loving every minute of her time on the BBC’s latest search for a West End star, Over The Rainbow.


The down-to-earth Normanby lass is not taking anything for granted, despite getting fantastic comments from the judges in her bid to star as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

Even after making the final six thanks to the viewers’ votes on Saturday, and despite being one of only two girls left in the competition who has never been in the dreaded “bottom two”, Jessica, 18, still dares not dream of wearing those iconic ruby slippers.

Still buzzing from her amazing performance of Cabaret, Jessica told the Gazette: “You sort of have to think about it because you’re in the competition for that role.

“But you get your latest numbers to rehearse at the beginning of the week and you just concentrate on those. That’s your goal for the week.

“You don’t really think about the bigger goal.”

Jessica, who admits she was in her element with the musical theatre theme of the latest show, received outstanding comments from the judges - and “finally cracked” tough nut Sheila Hancock.

Jessica said: “This was the first time I’d been given a musical theatre song and that’s my strength.

“I gave it some welly just like I would at home when I’m doing musical theatre and it was lovely for all the judges to recognise that.

“The comments were brilliant and I finally cracked Sheila! I was really pleased to get a good comment from her, but it was still constructive as always with Sheila.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber told Jessica her performance was well-acted, despite “being a very difficult song for a girl of your age to do.”

She said: “That is a song that means so much to me. Cabaret is my favourite musical and the Liza Minnelli role is my favourite.”

Jessica’s passion obviously paid off, as even John Partridge warmed to her courageous performance, which showed “great attack”.

The EastEnders and stage star, who has been quite critical of our Boro hopeful as a judge on the show, said her performance showed the qualities Dorothy should have, while Charlotte Church and Sheila both praised Jessica’s singing, despite earlier throat problems.

Jessica says she’s now “10 times better” after getting her voice back and is hoping to wow the judges - and the viewers - again this week.

She said: “It’s scary, but it’s also really exciting! You don’t know what’s going to happen and I love living on the edge. I always throw myself into it because it might be the last performance that I get and I just do what I can.”

Jx

Jessica's performances on Over The Rainbow so far..

Here are Jessica's solo performances from Over The Rainbow so far..

Week 1 - Rehab



Week 2 - The Voice Within



Week 3 - Crazy Little Thing Called Love



Week 4 - There You'll Be



Week 5 - Cabaret



Jx

Welcome!

Hey everyone just thought i'd start this blog for Jessica! I already have two blogs for my favourite ladies - Zoe Lister and Sarah Lark. This is one for my other favourite Jessica Robinson! Will be posting news, pictures etc!
Jx