A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl who is profoundly deaf wowed judges with a song she performed using sign language.

Madison Kennedy has been invited to showcase her talent after impressing leading arts industry professionals by signing Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours.

She will now take part in training and mentoring sessions ahead of her performance in a national competition, Raising the Bar, at a Birmingham theatre.

Deaf actress Sophie Stone, who launched the competition, said: “I am so impressed by the high standard of entries for the Raising the Bar competition.

“I know how vital it is for deaf children and young people to be in an environment where they can build confidence, gain skills and make new friends.

“Deaf children are just as capable as everyone else.

“We just need to make sure they get the right support.”

Madison’s signed song has been selected by the National Deaf Children’s Society for the Raising the Bar competition.

Along with 24 other deaf young people, she will work towards a live showcase at the mac Birmingham, an arts theatre, and perform in front of family and friends on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.

Mark Smith, deaf choreographer and artistic director of all-male company Deaf Men Dancing will lead the children in a dance masterclass.

They will also be given a drama masterclass by an artistic director as well as a music masterclass by Music and the Deaf, a charity that works to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy music.

Bryony Parkes, inclusive activities implementation manager at National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We had an amazing response from some extremely talented deaf young actors, dancers and musicians.

“It is really important that deaf children and young people get the same opportunities to take part in the same activities as their hearing friends and siblings. We hope these competition winners will go on to great things as well as demonstrate to their peers exactly what they are capable of.”

The youngsters have been invited to attend a mentoring weekend in June when they will work towards a live showcase.

The Raising the Bar competition aims to share what the 45,000 deaf children and young people in the UK can achieve, said a spokesman.