When 11-year-old Emanuel Humphrey finished his performance at the finals of Bermuda Idol last week, the judge not only stood to his feet but he took off his hat in amazement.

The Dellwood Middle School student brought the house down while singing Beyonce’s Listen and Anthony Brown’s Worth. Members of the audience performed a Mexican wave for the singer, who hails from Mexico.

But the celebrations did not stop at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, where the contest was held on Saturday night.

After the show Emanuel and his father went to get some food at Mr Chicken and the staff gave him a free meal on the condition that he sing for them. Another day he went to Arnold’s supermarket and the same thing happened.

Speaking about his experience as the youngest competitor in the contest, Emanuel said: “It was really exciting. I wasn’t nervous, the only thing I felt was hunger because you are not supposed to eat for two hours beforehand.

“On stage, the judge told me I had a perfect pitch and I said, ‘Well, I don’t want to brag.’ And all these people started laughing so much.

“I chose the songs because I like the rhythm they both give. I like Worth because it shows the real me and how I can sing and it is about Jesus as well. I am Christian, I go to Cornerstone [Bible Fellowship] and Pastor Tricay coached me a little bit before the show.”

As the community gets to hear of this bright young talent, Emanuel is starting to get requests to perform publicly. He is due to perform at Government House next month for children’s charity Scars and has another public concert lined up.

Hott 107.5 which organises Bermuda Idol has also shown a keen interest in his work and has been in talks with him about teaming up. Emanuel is certain he has found his life’s passion and is determined to become a professional singer.

“I definitely want to. I’d like to sing at concerts with people cheering and get to go to a lot of parties.

“I would like to write my own songs as well — I have tried to write some stuff but I’m gonna say it needs some work.”

Emanuel says he has always had an interest in music for as long as he can remember but started singing at the age of 6. He says he is grateful to his old school Northlands Primary which nurtured his talent and gave him opportunities to perform.

“Most of this happened because my school, Northlands, exposed me — I would go for the choir and sing at City Hall. I sang for the children’s charity Scars. I sing in church and I won Northlands’ School Idol. I also did the summer programme Ah Tempo; that was really exciting. I liked the music, the performance and the choreography that we did.”

Emanuel is setting up a band with his friends and hopes to be seen on the stages of Bermuda much more going forward.

Asked what advice he would give to other young people wanting to get into singing, Emanuel said: “Age is just a number.”