Eleven-year-old Jerome Collins from South London has been crowned the BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2026, a major win for the renowned boys' choir Libera. The internationally acclaimed vocal group has also announced its new album, 'Light', due for release on March 19 next year.
New Single and Video Unveiled
To mark the achievement, Libera has released a new video of the hymn 'Were You There', featuring Jerome's solo from the competition's semi-finals. The track becomes a digital single on October 30.
Judges praised his "outstanding musicianship and fantastic vocal control," while presenter and former boy soprano Aled Jones highlighted his "amazing breath control."
A Year of Global Performances
Jerome said: "It's been an amazing experience and I'm really proud to represent Libera. I've learned so much from singing with the choir, and I'd like to thank Sam, everyone at Libera, my school, and my family for all their support."
Musical Director Sam Coates, who arranged the new single, added: "We are enormously proud of Jerome. His success reflects not only his exceptional natural ability, but also the commitment, musicality, and hard work that he brings to everything he sings."
Over the past twelve months, Jerome has performed across Ireland, Catalonia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malta, and Japan, delivering solos in Mandarin, Catalan, Maltese, and Japanese.
Libera's Roots and Digital Reach
Founded by the late Robert Prizeman, Libera draws its members from local schools across South London, with boys continuing their everyday education alongside rehearsals and performances.
The choir's YouTube channel has amassed over 240 million views, with an additional 470 million across TikTok and Instagram, including 310 million in the last year alone.
Upcoming events include a sold-out concert at Westminster's Smith Square Hall on December 5 and a performance at Sherborne Abbey on December 19.
