From Penllergaer to Las Vegas, a dream come true for rising Swansea talent

Pauline Wood, formally Pauline Sweeney From Penllergaer in Swansea has been performing for over 25 years as a vocalist and as a professional tribute artist across the country.

She was discovered by talent scout and national entertainment award founder Lee Knell on social media, who invited her to participate in the Welsh Regional Entertainment Awards.

She emerged victorious in the poll and went on to represent the region at the Welsh Entertainment Awards in Newport in February 2023, ultimately taking home the coveted Best Tribute Award for her outstanding Tina Turner tribute act.

Pauline’s remarkable streak continued as she triumphed at the National Award in Essex, taking home the Best Professional Impact Award in November 2023. This milestone secured her a spot at the prestigious O2 in London for the following November.

The news sent shockwaves on social media, with congratulations pouring in from across the country and abroad, including fans from her time singing in Zakynthos, Greece.

Pauline entered another competition for 2024, emerging victorious again at the Welsh Regional Entertainment Awards, claiming yet another Best Tribute Award for her electrifying performances as Shirley Bassey.

As she says in her own words “My dreams are all coming true as from a young girl of 11 years, singing in front of my school, I always dreamed of making my voice heard and performing on big stages across the country.”

She has always been so thankful to all the support from her friends, family and all the venues and audiences that she has performed for.

Lee Knell, CEO at The National Entertainment Awards, and James Grant, the charismatic host of the esteemed event, extended an unexpected invitation to Pauline to meet with them at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff.

Initially, she was led to believe it was for an interview about her dream coming true at The O2 in November, but it wasn’t until the conversation concluded that Lee and James dropped the bombshell: Pauline was actually being considered, along with other talented performers from The National Entertainment Awards, to represent the UK in Las Vegas in October 2026. The revelation left her stunned and thrilled, with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on the horizon.

Pauline said, “I just cried with disbelief, holding this Award which said ‘Pauline Wood, Awarded The Hall Of Fame Representing The UK In Las Vegas.’

“All I can say is thank you to everyone who has stood by me; My partner Clive Morris who has always been by my side in everything I do and the whole of The National Entertainment Awards team for giving me my chance to shine and many more artists their chance too. Also to my public, I love you all.”

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