AN INTERNATIONAL competition to find the next voice of the iconic Neighbours theme song has ended in a tie, with Australian Stephanie Angelini and British singer Daniel Boys being invited to perform a duet to open the long-running soap.
The ‘Neighbours Remixed’ competition offered singers from both Australia and the UK the chance to to sing a revised version of the programme’s theme. UK finalist Daniel Boys and Australian representative Stephanie Angelini went head-to-head in a sing-off in Melbourne.
The judges, including entertainment legend Barry Crocker, who sang the show’s very first theme, were unable to choose between the two hopefuls.
The long-running soap will now be introduced by a duet for the first time in the show’s history.
Neighbours‘ executive producer Richard Jasek said it was impossible to decide between the duo.
“Both Stephanie and Daniel have exquisite voices and together created a harmony which took us all by surprise. We couldn’t let the opportunity go to put these extraordinary performers together, and the end result has far exceeded all expectations.”
Stephanie Angelini expressed her excitement, after receiving the news on the same day as celebrating her 21st birthday.
“For someone starting out in the music industry, it’s an incredible opportunity and I’m honoured to sing with Daniel such a great theme tune to an iconic Australian series,” she said in a statement.
British singer Daniel Boys is a veteran of West End musicals in London. He has also appeared on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical talent contest Any Dream Will Do. He released his debut album So Close in 2009.
“Stephanie is such a lovely girl and the outcome could not have been better,” he said.
“I can’t wait for the public to hear the new theme sung by us.”
The new theme song will be heard from next week in the UK, but the new titles and opening credits won’t be seen until 13 May.
See Channel 10 report for sneak preview of the song: