The amazing Charlotte Traynor won Rugby’s Got Talent in 2025.
Then just 16, Charlotte impressed in the semi final where she made her mark as a strong contender right from the first note. In the final at The BENN Hall Charlotte captivated the audience and the panel alike with what the judges described as an “utterly spellbinding performance” of the song The Wizard And I from the musical Wicked. She was a clear winner on every score chart, with judges noting her confident delivery of a very technically challenging and difficult song to sing with key changes, tempo changes, dramatic contrasts and spoken elements.
We are sure she has West End stage potential, and in fact straight after RGT 2025 she was asked to perform at the iconic Union Chapel backed up by a 150-voice choir for her London debut, where again she made a superb impression. Definitely one to watch out for in the future!
Second place went to young dancer Gracie Carolan, who not only danced beautifully but was commended highly by the judges for having fully choreographed her own dance routine. The judges had nothing but praise for her and said she made dance “look effortless and sublime”, especially for someone so young.
Aaron Evans took third place with his trademark powerhouse voice. “Surrounded by a very tight acoustic band, his whole performance was brought to life,” said the judges.
Charlotte Traynor, winner 2025
Gracie Carolan, second place 2025
Aaron Evans, third place 2025
Our 2024 winner was the incredible Lee Stürm.
Brazilian-Rugbeian Lee Stürm is truly talented, with a beautiful and distinctive voice and a confident guitar style, proving a worthy winner – judges were unanimous in their decision that she should be crowned.
Versatile with her own songs, songs from South America, and a great range of covers, she surprised us all on the night with a fantastic Queen number. Her slightly quirky and beautifully performed rendition of I Want to Break Free was a perfect, last minute song-decision – from a wide repertoire – that showed an ability to read and respond to an audience too.
Second placed in 2024 was Sorina, who was mentored and accompanied by guitarist Duncan Arrow and described as “enchanting” by the judging panel. In third place was country singer Kevin, who evoked a lively response from the audience who appreciated his interpretation of the Ralph McTell classic Streets of London. “That song is fifty-six years old,” he told his audience, “but it is as relevant today as it was then.”
Lee Stürm, winner 2024
Sorina Ilaş, runner-up 2024
Kevin Rubery, third place 2024
Our 2023 Rugby’s Got Talent winner was Just Li (Lizelle Harrison).
Hailing originally from South Africa, Lizelle had not long made her new home in Rugby when she decided to enter. And boy are we glad she did! Truly outstanding performances of Masterpiece (Jazmine Sullivan) in the semi-final and Listen (Beyonce) in the final raised hairs-on-necks and two standing ovations.
Openly passionate about the music she is delivering, Lizelle is a captivating singer who wears her heart on her sleeve when on stage – reminiscent of Adele, Leona Lewis, Shirley Bassey and other superstars that are not afraid to shed a tear and share with their audience. We believe that she is destined for stardom.
Our two 2023 runners up (in no particular order, stressed the judges) were two young singers Millie Maddams and Thea Watson, co-incidentally both just 17. In very contrasting Grand Final performances Thea delivered the whole rock chick experience with a full band – a tight unit that complemented her great vocals really well, whereas Millie delivered a measured, heartfelt arrangement of No Time To Die (Billie Eilish) mentored and accompanied by Duncan Arrow on piano. Quite rightly, the judges refused to put one of them ahead of the other.
Just Li, winner 2023
Millie Maddams, runner-up 2023
Thea Watson, runner-up 2023
The winner in 2022 was Ezza Brianna.
In front of a packed BENN Hall, Ezza held the audience spellbound with her own song, a Bond-esque number entitled Live Another Day. A technically impeccable yet emotionally charged performance led to the 17 year old receiving an ovation from the judges and a speedy consensus that she was a worthy winner.
For such a young performer, Ezza really held it together perfectly. This was coupled with an equally impressive songwriting and singing display from the earlier semi-final. Ezza had already received plaudits and attention from local music media – winning #RGT2022 was but the start.
Ezza earnt £500 prize money as well as opportunities to appear at Rugby Music Festival and Rugby Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Our two runners up in 2022 were singers Alyssa Martyn and Aaron Evans. Both had had experience on the stage before and this showed in their confident performances. Alyssa’s stunning rendition of Lady Gaga’s Shallow raised eyebrows and the roof of The BENN Hall. Aaron took to guitar and, with cajon accompaniment, delivered an ear-catching version of House of the Rising Sun. Judges had great difficulty separating them.
Ezza Brianna, winner
Aaron Evans, runner-up
Alyssa Martyn, runner-up
Paul Sammon was our 2019 winner after a stunning final which rocked Rugby Theatre.
Rugby Theatre was packed to the rafters for the Grand Final; a full house saw eight amazing acts from the town compete for the prize fund and opportunities to perform at the town’s major events over the coming year.
The finale capped a record breaking year for the competition and was won by local vocalist Paul Sammon (pictured above). Paul delivered a stunning version of Sound of Silence in the style of Disturbed which gripped the audience and judges alike. Judges described his performance as “incredible”, “stunning” and “dramatic”, and added that Paul “definitely deserved to be featured in one of the big TV talent shows.”
Rugby’s Got Talent was won in 2018 by the amazing 24 year old singer-songwriter-guitarist Kieran Taylour.
Kieran wowed the judges in both semi final and final with songs he had written himself, along with a brilliant vocal performance, adept musicianship, and an engaging style. Kieran was “the clear winner” in the judges notebooks and scoresheets.
Kieran describes himself as having “a huge passion for acoustic pop” and inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dean Lewis, James Arthur, and Boyce Avenue.
Visit Kieran at https://www.facebook.com/KTaylourMusic/
The 2013 competition was won by singer songwriter Eve Singleton.
Eve, who was 14 at the time, took the title in an amazing live final at famous Rugby town centre venue The Vault.
Eve has continued her career in music with many appearances and is a prolific songwriter. She followed her win with performances at Rugby Music Festival and the town’s Big Christmas Light Switch On, which in turn led to more gigs and recognition. “Entering RGT was really good fun” said Eve when we re-contacted her about the relaunch of the competition and show 5 years on. “I was a lot younger then but I felt full of confidence from taking part. I think even if you don’t win you’re still getting great experience from entering. I’m now at university studying songwriting and this type of experience definitely helped me shape what I want to do.”