Einir Waw’s the public
Einir Mai Dafydd has won S4C’s WawFfactor musical talent show after the public crowned her their pop princess in Friday night’s tense final. The 16 year old from Boncath, Pembrokeshire will now have the opportunity to record her own CD and video.
Einir, who was whittled down from 20 contestants, beat Aimee – Ffion Edwards, from Newport and Nathan Whiteley from Wrexham in the final.
In the nail-biting final, presented by Eleri Sion, all three finalists performed a song each and it was then up to the judges, Bethan Elfyn, Aled Haydn Jones, Huw Chiswell and Owen Powell, to decide who was the last two standing. They judges decided to keep Einir and Aimee-Ffion in as the final two which put Nathan in third place. However, it was left to the public, through a phone and text vote, to have the final say in deciding who had the special WawFfactor.
On hearing the public’s verdict Einir, who is currently studying for her AS levels in Welsh, Music and Drama said, “I don’t know what to say, I’m speechless. It’s such a shock; thank you everyone for voting for me. I completely didn’t expect to win so it’s a wonderful surprise. It’s great, it’s going to be a whole new experience and I can’t wait. “
There was also a surprise guest appearance from last year’s WawFfactor winner Rebecca Trehearn who took a break from performing in ‘We Will Rock You’ in London to sing on Friday night’s live final and hand over her WawFfactor crown to the winner Einir.
Runner up Aimee - Ffion said, “I’m so happy for Einir, she was fantastic! I’ve had an amazing experience on WawFfactor and I’ve had so much fun, the final night was just brilliant.”
Third place Nathan said, “Well done to Einir and Aimee – Ffion! Even though I was out first, the final has been great. I’ve made loads of new friends on WawFfactor and I’ve had an amazing time.”
Series Producer Caryl Parry Jones, said, “All three did extremely well. Einir and Aimee always deserved to be in the final from the start of the competition. It could have easily gone either way in the final - they both have that special something. There’s definitely a gap in Welsh music for both of them at the moment. I’m overjoyed that Einir won, she has a fabulous voice and she’s a lovely girl. “
S4C’s Commissioning Editor for Entertainment and Events, Meirion Davies, says,” Congratulations to Einir! The standard and level of performances achieved by the finalists was phenomenal and augurs well for their professional futures. We are all incredibly proud of them and wish them the best of luck for the future.”