Diana-Lee singing her way to the stars in New York

After winning Talent America in 2011, she returned home and took part in a few more competitions. She was chosen for Talent Africa again but chose to remain in South Africa as her focus now shifted to her school work.

In 2013 Diana-Lee was chosen as a prefect and awarded the Culture Portfolio in Grade 12 at St Thomas Aquinas School but due to her busy schedule she did not have the opportunity to participate in singing events.

After completing school, Diana-Lee decided to further her education at the University of Pretoria where she is studying Educational Psychology.

She took part in the TUKS Idols competition where she came third and also participated in TUKS’ Got Talent Competition which was a showcase event to display all the talents at the University.

On April 10 Zinnia Res hosted a modelling competition, ‘Ms Zinnia’, in which Diana-Lee took part. She impressed many in her stunning white dress and walked away with the titles of Ms Congeniality and Ms Marketing.

During the show, while the judges were deliberating, there was an awkward silence in the hall. To pass time Diana-Lee and Heinrich Kamffer started singing ‘Say Something’ by Christina Aguilera. The prefect of the res who arranged the competition overheard the two singing and dragged the two to the front of the stage to perform for the audience.

“So we started singing for the crowd,” said Diana-Lee.
One of the judges, Izanné van der Burgh, from Figures Models and Talent International in Pretoria East sponsored all participants with a free month’s training session. At one of the sessions Izanne told Elana Eybers, from International Models and Talent Association (IMTA), to listen to Diana-Lee’s voice. This is where it all began.

IMTA is the most recognised and successful modelling and talent association in the world.
Diana-Lee was one of the few people that were selected to enter the IMTA competition without auditioning.

The competition will take place from July 17 to 26 at the Hilton Hotel in New York, USA. There will be about 8 000 contestants from all over the world enthusiastically displaying their talents. During the competition there are approximately 700 scouts, agents and managers scouting for new talent.

This is the competition that started Ashton Kutcher, Katie Holmes and Ashley Greene’s careers after being discovered by scouts.
“I am so excited to go to this competition!” exclaimed a very excited Diana-Lee.

Altogether 16 people from South Africa will be taking part in this prestigious event.
On May 31 a fundraising function, called ‘A Night in the Stars’, was held at the Portuguese Hall.

DJ Mike, a family member and extraordinary DJ, entertained the crowd and gave Diana-Lee the opportunity to display her amazing singing talent.

“Due to the outstanding attendance we were able to raise enough money for me to go to America,” said Diana-Lee with a smile.
On Sunday, June 29 Diana-Lee sang at Casa Social Da Madeira in Pretoria, in the presence of various VIP delegates from Madeira, Portugal and South Africa.

She had the honour of meeting singing legend Snr. Damiao and the Vice-President of Madeira Island, Dr Manuel Antonio Correia, who personally came to congratulate Diana-Lee on her wonderful talent and complimented her on her beautiful voice.
“It was sure a night to remember,” said Diana-Lee ecstatically.

Diana-Lee has been training very hard for this competition and will continue to do so until she departs for New York.
“I would like to thank the community of eMalahleni and Pretoria for their generous donations, contributions and support and most importantly thank God for blessing me with such a beautiful talent,” said Diana-Lee.