Boy bullied for busking gets big break on stage

A teenage singer described as a "huge talent" said performing was his safe space after being so badly bullied he left school to become educated at home.

Carter, 13, recently performed at the Passmore Live show at Viva in Blackpool after Kyle Passmore spotted the youngster busking in the resort.

Passmore, a singer songwriter from Blackpool, said he got "instant goosebumps" and he offered him a spot in his show so people could hear his phenomenal voice.

Carter lives in Huddersfield but said the seaside town was his "happy place" to perform after getting hate in his hometown when busking.

The teenager said performing on the Viva stage in front of a sell out crowd felt like a dream.

"It was amazing to sing in front of so many people," he said.

He said he felt at home on the stage covering Leona Lewis's hit Run, after which he got a standing ovation from the audience of about 600 people.

Passmore, who starred on BBC One's Let it Shine in 2017 and is currently on tour in the US, said Carter had "some of the rawest talent I've ever seen" adding he "truly deserved" his standing ovation.

It has led to Carter being booked for a charity show to celebrate the life and legacy of much loved comedian Duncan Norvelle, who did many summer seasons in Blackpool, at the Viva venue in August.

Norvelle's widow, Lynn Trevallion, said she asked Carter to perform at Remember Duncan Norvelle - A night of Music and Comedy after the youngster's incredible performance at Passmore Live.

She said he "stormed it".

"He absolutely raised the roof. It isn't an easy song either."

Lynn added that Carter had an incredible stage presence and knew her late husband, who was famous for his catchphrase "chase me" would have loved him.

Carter, who said his ambition is to go into musical theatre or be a flight attendant, has been singing since he was three.

He said: "I love singing and making people happy."

The teenager has also been raising money with his singing for two charities close to his heart as well as singing in care homes.

He has raised about £2,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and Asthma and Lung UK after his grandfather had treatment for prostate cancer and his late grandmother was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

His mother, Jemma, said: "Seeing people smile, sing along, or simply feel a moment of happiness means everything to him."

Singing had also been a coping mechanism and a safe space from bullies, she added.

Carter started busking in Blackpool town centre in the summer of 2024 and quickly built up a following there, with staff from the local businesses taking Carter under their wings.

It has added to Carter's Busking Journey online following.

He explained his affinity with the seaside town.

"Blackpool is such a special place

"It is the people. They're amazing."

Jemma also praised the reception has had from people in Blackpool.

"They have been a pillar of support.

"Everyone has been amazing - with one business owner buying him a new speaker with others keeping him hydrated with drinks and another looking out for him like a bodyguard."

Carter's number one fan is from Blackpool, too.

He has struck up such a close bond with Diane who his mum said has become an "adopted nana".

Carter said he was really excited about his next big show at Viva although his busking has had to go on hold until he turns 14 in September.

His mother said unbeknown to them, you need to be 14 or over to busk in the UK.

However, his busking equipment has stopped working so his mother is hoping to raise money to replace it so he can return to doing what he loves most - "singing for others and raising money for important causes".

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