Kira is known throughout Leeds for her incredible voice and passionate performances that literally leave the crowd begging for more.

Here, Kira tells Gayleeds.com about love, life and singing.

Have you always had such an incredible voice?

I have never had a vocal coach it is natural. I was in the School Choir and I am from a very religious family so I sang a lot in Church. My confidence went down in High School and I kind of stopped but then I started doing Karaoke when I was 16.

What songs did you sing on Karaoke?

Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.

 Last year you were a judge for Drag Idol, what do you look for in a singer when you are in a judging position?

I was disappointed there weren’t as many singers. I look for stage presence, that is important and it is also important that they connect with the audience.

The way you judge people on their singing, do you put in to practice yourself?

I am always judging myself. You have to be careful not to get lazy so I keep reviewing myself and I always pick up tips. I make sure I connect with the audience. You can always spot who is getting in to it and you just make eye contact with them.

You are opening the Owlies, pressure?

A little bit. It is always hard to be on first but I am looking forward to it.

What made you come up with your song choice?

I really like the song and it is adequate. I think it is a really good choice.

You have been very involved with the gay community, what has been your best highlight of what you have done?

Performing on the main stage at Pride was a massive highlight. And also Drag Idol because the atmosphere was electric.

Do you have an outfit ready yet for the Owlies?

No. I’m putting it off until the last minute. I think I am going to go for a sophisticated and sheik look rather than sequins.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I always want to better myself. I want to expand on the gay scene a lot more and do lot’s more gigs in gay venues.

Marlena Kelli said it is a treat to work with you. How do you feel about working with others?

I love working alongside people. It is difficult to watch each other perform though because when they are on stage you are always working doing something else so you miss each other.

Who do you idolise in music?

I am very much a Diva girl. I love Beyoncé and Celine Dion. I love people who put on a show.

If you could duet with anyone who would it be?

Celine Dion. I am a massive fan of hers.

You said you are from a religious family. Did they accept you been gay?

Well I wouldn’t say I am religious now. I kind of grew out of it if you like. My Grandparents are still very religious and they have accepted it. I have never really had any hassle in that way really.

So what is your relationship status?

I am very happily long term engaged. I have been with Charlie for 10 years now and a step mum to Charlie’s 18 year old daughter.

Do you get on well with Charlie’s daughter?

Yes we get on well. I am not the primary mother figure but very much a parental figure and we do get on really well.

When you in the School playground together do you get funny looks?

We get unusual reactions. People don’t think we are together and no one suspects we are together.

When did you realise you was Gay?

I first realised when I was 13. I had a crush on my French Teacher and then I met Charlie when I was 17. I never really got in to boys.

Do you get a lot of Male attention?

The pubs are the worst for that with drunken leery men coming up to you but it doesn’t bother me I just brush it off.

Do you get a lot of Female attention?

It is very different attention. Nobody suspected I was gay but since my profile has been raised I am getting a bit more attention.

Any plans for marriage soon?

Definitely, in the next few years.

How do you feel when you sing?

I love what I do. I never sing a song that I don’t like to sing. Always add a twist and see how I can improve.

Would you like to do main stage at Pride?

 I believe that I am booked to do so and then hopefully Blayds in the evening but that is unconfirmed yet.

What do you think of the ‘Sing For Pride’ competition?

I think it is good. There are big prizes on offer. I am running the Karaoke this year and there is going to be a lot of good singers.

What do you think of X Factor?

I used to like it. I think its profile was raised when Leona Lewis won. Before that I think it was just there for entertainment value. It is a good platform though and a good way to raise your profile.

What are your plans for the rest of this year?

Judging ‘Sing For Pride’, Owlies and Leeds Pride Mainstage. I am really looking forward to it.

How do you see the Gay scene in 10 years time?

It is very different now. It has become accepted and so open, the clientele has completely changed. I think in 10 years’ time it is all going to be mixed. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable going in to a gay bar with straight people in it and I think that it could cause a lot of confrontation in the future.

http://www.kiralive.com/

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Interview by Amelia Bradbourne

Gayleeds.com would like to say a massive thanks to Kira for the interview.