A love of music that started before he could talk has helped Tauranga singer Miguel Rizzi hit a high note on the national stage.

The 13-year-old was crowned Best Vocalist at the National BandQuest finals last week.

It comes after Youth Criminal, his band from Mount Maunganui Intermediate School, won the Bay of Plenty’s Rockshop BandQuest competition last month to qualify for nationals.

Rockshop BandQuest is a national band competition for primary and intermediate-aged musicians.

Regional winners advance to national judging where awards recognise band and individual excellence.

“When I found out I won, I couldn’t believe it was real, I was so happy and it gave me lots of motivation,” Miguel said.

He was surprised to be named Best Vocalist at the national finals.

“I was mostly thinking about my band rather than myself as an individual.”

He said his band Youth Criminal came together for BandQuest and, although rehearsal time was limited, the group quickly gelled.

“In the short time we had, we built a really strong connection, that helped me feel comfortable enough to be myself on stage.

“Our shared drive to win and do our best, while still having fun and respecting each other for who we are, made all the difference.”

Miguel said the award meant a lot because he first entered BandQuest in his final year of primary school knowing little about singing.

He has spent the past two years working on his vocal skills.

“It means even more because, after seven years, I was able to bring this award back to the Bay of Plenty, it really does means a lot to me.”

Miguel Rizzi (centre left) and his band Youth Criminal from Mount Maunganui Intermediate School.

He told the Bay of Plenty Times he had been singing “since before I could talk”, crediting his father’s musical influence for sparking his passion for music.

“I started off as a Michael Jackson impersonator and that’s when singing became natural to me,” he said.

“My biggest musical influences are Bruno Mars, who’s my idol, Michael Jackson, and Anderson Paak, I want to become a world-famous pop, soul and R&B singer.”

Miguel said he hoped to continue studying, training and developing his craft as a vocalist to one day release his own music.

“I’d really love to take part in festivals and talent shows or reality shows around the world, giving me the chance to share my talent with a wider audience.”

Sarah Rizzi, Miguel’s mum, said she “couldn’t be prouder” of the person Miguel was becoming, as a young man and a musician.

“Growing up with the influence of his dad, a singer and songwriter, Miguel has shown a natural connection to the arts from a very young age.”

She said his focus, determination and commitment to achieving his goals served as an inspiration not only to young people his age, but to adults as well.

“He reminds us of the importance of believing in our dreams, working hard and never giving up,” Rizzi said.

“He continues to grow and achieve so much while staying humble and proud of his roots.”

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.