A singer who has found social media fame by streaming her music direct from the streets of York is now starring on the BBC.
York busker and TikTok legend Mia Kirkland is on BBC Three’s new music reality show Project Icon – and is in with the chance of winning a record deal, a collaboration with music megastar Jason Derulo and to perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
The 18-year-old can often be seen singing in the city centre – but now she’s swapped York’s cobbled streets for Sunday nights on BBC Three.
The six-part music competition sees 10 unsigned UK artists competing for the attention of global singer-songwriter Jason Derulo and his long-time business partner, music mogul Frank Harris in a series of industry-inspired challenges.
The judging panel also includes Brit Award winner, Becky Hill, and the show is presented by BBC1 Radio DJ Jordan North.
The challenges range from creating viral social media videos, to navigating tricky press interviews, as well as performing on some of the UK’s most iconic stages.
Three episodes have aired so far, with Mia already impressing Jason Derulo in the first episode with her ‘Signature Track’ challenge.
“On first impressions, Mia has an incredible voice,” said Jason. “I was really impressed with the song.”
After her performance Mia said, “I was really nervous to start off with, and I didn’t think that I did that well until I got my feedback.”
Once she’d survived the first challenge, the next task was to create a 30-second video showing their creativity. Mia already has a following of over 400,000 on TikTok, so she was feeling the pressure to do well.
Later on in the competition, Mia impressed the judges again in the group challenge – where Mia’s group sang ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’ by Becky Hill at London’s O2 arena. Frank Harris commented, “I had no idea you had that inside of you, Mia. Wow.”
Becky Hill also called Mia, “an absolute star.”
YorkMix spoke with Mia to find out more about her experience on the show.
“The whole experience of Project Icon was absolutely phenomenal,” said Mia. “Best decision I’ve ever made. It’s helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses.”
Mia took a year out of education to focus on her music and learn more about herself as an artist. She had auditioned for Project Icon but “didn’t think anything of it”.
“But then I ended up getting the call to say I was on the show – I just remember me, my mum and my dad standing in the kitchen hugging and crying.
“Working so close with such big musicians like Jason and Becky was so eye opening and beneficial, especially as they have been through all the ins and outs of the music industry and know what it takes to be a successful artist.
“I’m so glad to be representing York,” said Mia. “I’m the only one from the North on the show.”
Mia, York is rooting for you!
To catch up on all the Project Icon episodes so far, visit BBC iPlayer. Project Icon is on BBC Three on Sundays at 9pm.