Former jockey wins You're a Star

Former jockey David O’Connor was tonight crowned the winner of this year’s You’re A Star.

The 26-year-old secured the public vote in the live television final, beating the group 21 Demands.

Thousands of hopefuls from all over Ireland auditioned for the reality television talent show, but David’s star quality shone through singing Love Grows and On Borrowed Wings.

The Wexford man walks away with a recording contract with Universal Music, a publishing contract with Sony ATV Publishing and €10,000 worth of musical equipment from Roland Ireland.

The former racing jockey will record his new single, On Borrowed Wings, on Monday with You’re A Star musical director Ronan Johnston.

The single was written by the legendary Bryan Adams and Elliot Kennedy and will be available as a download from Friday before hitting the music stores on Friday, March 30.

Freddie Middleton, marketing director of Universal Music Ireland, said the show is about careers and not one-hit wonders.

“We are really excited to have signed the winner,” he said. “We are going straight into the studio with him to kick-start what we hope will be a very successful working relationship between David and Universal.”

David – who has been likened to Daniel O’Donnell – is no stranger to chart success, having achieved a top 20 hit with Don’t Look Back In Anger in this week’s chart.

“We have been tremendously impressed by the talent on this year’s show, talent that has come from all across Ireland,” said Julian Vignoles, deputy commissioning editor for RTÉ Entertainment.

“RTÉ is delighted that this hugely talented singer now has a fantastic launching pad for what we hope will be a successful career in the music industry, thanks to You’re A Star.”