Lancaster X Factor star Paul Akister makes US debut

Singer Paul Akister has made his American debut and performed at a music awards ceremony in Atlanta.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2016, 15:34 BST
Updated 11th Feb 2016, 10:05 BST
Paul Akister on the red carpet at the Georgia Entertainment Gala. Picture courtesy of the Georgia Entertainment Gala.Paul Akister on the red carpet at the Georgia Entertainment Gala. Picture courtesy of the Georgia Entertainment Gala.
Paul Akister on the red carpet at the Georgia Entertainment Gala. Picture courtesy of the Georgia Entertainment Gala.

The X Factor star opened the Georgia Entertainment Gala in the USA with a rendition of ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ by Sam Cooke on Saturday night.

The black tie event, attended by 1,800 guests, was held at the Georgia World Congress-Sidney Marcus Auditorium in Atlanta.

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The annual gala honours the film and TV stars of Georgia and raises money for charity.

Paul Akister performs on stage at the Georgia Entertainment Gala in Atlanta.Paul Akister performs on stage at the Georgia Entertainment Gala in Atlanta.
Paul Akister performs on stage at the Georgia Entertainment Gala in Atlanta.

Afterwards Paul tweeted that he “loved every minute”.

The gala was hosted by American actor Pooch Hall, who stars in US comedy-drama series ‘The Game’, and Valery Ortiz from VH1’s ‘Hit the Floor’.

Other performers on the bill included American Idol star LaToya London and The Voice USA contestant Brooke Adee.

The gala raised $6,000 for Atlanta Childrens Shelter and Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.

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Paul Akister performs on stage at the Georgia Entertainment Gala in Atlanta.Paul Akister performs on stage at the Georgia Entertainment Gala in Atlanta.
Paul Akister performs on stage at the Georgia Entertainment Gala in Atlanta.

The previous night, Paul performed his first ever gig in the States at the swish Red Martini club in Atlanta.

He also recorded in an Atlanta studio while on his trip to the Georgia city.

The soul singer flew out to America with his friend and manager Neil Spooner.

Fitness trainer Neil helped Paul shed three-and-a-half stones for his appearance on ITV talent show The X Factor in 2014, when he reached the live shows.