Singer Ruthie tells of ‘overwhelming’ experience since appearance as ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’

Ruthie O’Brien, who was born with a rare genetic condition which caused deafness and left her lacking confidence in her time at school, had a “life-changing experience” when she studied Popular Music Performance at the University from 2014 to 2017, thanks to being made to feel welcome with the support of tutors who were invested she could obtain a quality education.

That helped develop Ruthie’s confidence and allowed her to follow her passion for music and signing, but she never expected it would lead to her performing on stage as part of BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.

Millions tuned in earlier this year as Ruthie – believing she was on a tour of Covent Gardens with her friend – instead found the fake London Underground Station scene falling apart to reveal a packed Theatre Royal audience, including Michael McIntyre himself.

Ruthie said: “I had no idea what was going on and when it happened it was both shocking and exciting at the same time. Standing there in front of everyone felt surreal and something I will always remember.”

The keen singer, who was nominated by her family to be the ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’, then sang Titanium by David Guetta featuring Sia, in front of the 2,000-strong theatre audience.

Ruthie, born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, developed her love of music and singing after getting a cochlear implant at the age of eight, which – along with a bone-anchored hearing aid – made sound much clearer for her.

She explained: “Music was the one thing that just made me feel happy, it made me learn to listen and I had the confidence to sing which meant working harder to be able to sing and hear together but I never gave up. I found my own way to overcome these battles, and I continue to do so.”

Ruthie is grateful for the support she received during her time at Chester. She said: “There were times when I struggled personally as well as academically. What made such a lasting impact on me was the compassion and support shown by my tutors, Ruth, Kaya, Kristian and Ben, throughout those moments.

“They treated me as a person, not just a student, and their encouragement gave me the strength and confidence to keep moving forward. Looking back, I realise how much their belief in me shaped both my university experience and my personal growth.

“The opportunities I was given is also something I won’t forget; things such as singing in different venues, the opportunity to create a band, and meeting people in the music industry.”

Kristian Rozells, Senior Lecturer in Popular Music at the University of Chester, said: “Ruthie was a hard-working, committed student, and she excelled as a singer and performer whilst on the BA Popular Music Performance course. She had a very ‘can-do’ attitude and always accepted challenges of difficult repertoire. She also won the 2017 Valedictory Prize.

“As tutors, we were aware that Ruthie had hearing challenges, but this did not stop her from being able to sing with excellent intonation. She always interpreted the music with great stylistic awareness and sensitivity as a performer. I am very pleased to hear of her success.”

Ruthie added, since appearing on TV: “I have received the most uplifting and positive messages from people. Some sharing their experiences, and other people who have hearing difficulties coming forward asking advice. It’s been overwhelming but heartwarming at the same time. I have done a few talks in schools about positive image and celebrating your disability. I have done a lot more performances and hoping to get some other opportunities within TV – fingers crossed!”

Ruthie can be followed on social media on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RuthieLorraine/; on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruthieobrienvocalist/; and on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthieobrien.

For more information on the range of Music courses available at the University of Chester, visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/music/.