Singing from the Heart: Isabella Masiulionyte’s Journey to Vocalist of the Year and Annual Grand First Prize
- 12 hours ago
- 5 min read
At just nine years old, Isabella Masiulionyte from Kent, England, has already established herself as a promising young vocalist with a growing list of achievements on the international stage. Her outstanding performance of I Have Nothing earned her the Annual Grand First Prize after securing First Place in the Talent (Age 10 & Under) category at the London Young Musician – Musician of the Year 2026 annual competition. In recognition of her exceptional accomplishments throughout the season, she has also been awarded the titles of Vocalist of the Year and World Top 50 Musician – Top 15 for the 2025–2026 competition year.
Guided by dedicated teachers and driven by a genuine passion for music, Isabella continues to develop her skills in singing, piano, theatre, and songwriting. Her performances are distinguished by their emotional depth, musical maturity, and expressive storytelling, qualities that have earned her recognition from audiences and adjudicators alike. As she continues her musical journey, Isabella hopes to inspire others through her artistry while pursuing new opportunities for growth and performance.
In this exclusive interview, Isabella shares her musical journey, the preparation behind her award-winning performance, the support she has received from her teachers and family, and her aspirations for the future.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your music training journey, and your goals for the future in music?
Isabella Masiulionyte:
"My name is Isabella Masiulionytė, and I am 9 years old from Kent, England.
Music has been a very special part of my life from a young age. Singing allows me to express my feelings, tell stories, and connect with people in a way that words alone sometimes cannot.
I study with my vocal coaches Claire Hack and Valerija Iljin, learn piano with Sandra Baranauskienė, and continue developing my performance skills through theatre training. I also take graded examinations in vocals, piano, and theatre, which help me grow as a well-rounded performer.
Alongside music, I live with a rare vascular illness that can be very painful and challenging. During difficult times, music gives me strength, hope, and a reason to keep smiling.
My dream is to continue developing as a singer, songwriter, and performer, to share my music with audiences around the world, and to inspire others to believe in themselves no matter what challenges they may face."
The London Young Musician annual competition requires a newly recorded performance video completed in a single take. Could you share more about your award-winning performance of I Have Nothing?
Isabella Masiulionyte:
"I Have Nothing is one of those songs that touches the heart. I love the emotion, honesty, and strength behind it.
Preparing for the performance took many hours of practice. My vocal coaches helped me work on both the technical and emotional aspects of the song, making sure every phrase told part of the story.
Knowing that the performance had to be recorded in a single take made it even more special. There was no opportunity to stop and start again, so I had to trust my preparation and sing with confidence.
When I performed the song, I focused on the emotions and the story rather than the competition itself. I simply wanted to sing from my heart and share something meaningful with the audience."
What did a typical day of practice look like for you, and in what ways did your family support your musical journey? How do you manage your time between training and schoolwork?
Isabella Masiulionyte:
"My days are usually quite busy. I attend online school, so I spend time studying and completing my schoolwork before focusing on music.
My practice often includes vocal warm-ups, repertoire work, breathing exercises, listening to music, piano practice, and sometimes songwriting. I also enjoy preparing for performances and examinations.
Because of my medical condition, I sometimes need hospital appointments and treatment, which means balancing everything can be challenging. My family helps me enormously.
My mum is always by my side, helping me attend lessons, competitions, recordings, performances, and medical appointments. My family constantly encourages me and reminds me to keep believing in myself.
Their love and support make everything possible."
Would you like to share your experience of participating in the London Young Musician competitions, and are there any individuals you’d like to thank?
Isabella Masiulionyte:
"Participating in London Young Musician has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my musical journey.
The competition motivates me to work hard, improve my skills, and challenge myself while also giving me opportunities to meet talented young musicians from around the world.
I would like to thank my wonderful vocal coaches, Claire Hack and Valerija Iljin, for their guidance, patience, encouragement, and belief in me. They have helped me grow both as a singer and as a person.
I would also like to thank my piano teacher, Sandra Baranauskienė, who has helped me develop my musical understanding and creativity.
A special thank you goes to my producer Aviv, who has supported my original music projects, and to everyone who has contributed to my musical journey.
Most importantly, I would like to thank my family. Their love, strength, and support have helped me through every challenge and every success.
I am also incredibly grateful to everyone who listens to my music, supports me, shares my songs, and sends kind messages. Your encouragement means more to me than words can express."
Is there anything else you would like to say to musicians and music enthusiasts around the world?
Isabella Masiulionyte:
"Never stop believing in yourself.
Everyone faces challenges in life, but those challenges do not have to stop you from following your dreams.
Keep learning, keep practicing, and never be afraid to be yourself.
Music has taught me that even during difficult times there is always hope, beauty, and strength to be found.
Most importantly, enjoy who you are, because your uniqueness is your greatest strength."
Biography
Isabella Masiulionytė is a 9-year-old singer, songwriter, and performer from Kent, England.
Despite living with a rare vascular illness, Isabella continues to pursue her passion for music with extraordinary determination, positivity, and resilience. Music has become her way of expressing hope, strength, and joy while inspiring others through her story.
She studies singing with vocal coaches Claire Hack and Valerija Iljin, learns piano with Sandra Baranauskienė, and continues to develop her stage skills through theatre training. Isabella regularly takes graded examinations in vocals, piano, and theatre as part of her artistic development.
Following her powerful performance of “Skyfall”, Isabella was invited to appear on BBC Radio Kent, where she shared her musical journey and inspiring story with listeners across the region.
As a songwriter, Isabella has already released two original songs: “I’ll Rise Anyway” and “Enjoy Who You Are.” Both songs were inspired by her personal experiences and her belief in resilience, self-acceptance, and hope.
Over the years, Isabella has achieved remarkable success at international music competitions, becoming a multiple-time Grand Prix winner and earning recognition from respected judges and music professionals.
Her achievements include:
🏆London Young Musician – Musician of the Year Grand First Prize Winner
🏆Annual Grand First Prize Winner
🏆Vocalist of the Year
🏆Grand Prix Winner – London Young Talent Forum
🏆Multiple International Grand Prix Awards
🏆World Top 50 Musicians – Top 15 Worldwide
Beyond competitions, Isabella regularly performs at charity events, cultural celebrations, concerts, and community events. Through her music and personal journey, she hopes to inspire children and adults around the world to believe in themselves, embrace who they are, and never give up on their dreams.
“Enjoy who you are, because your uniqueness is your greatest strength.”
— Isabella Masiulionytė
Singer • Songwriter • Performer • Multiple International Grand Prix Winner • Musician of the Year 2026
