By JOLENE OGLE
IT WAS the vision of Tina Turner – all big hair, long legs and strong voice – on a black and white TV that ignited five-year-old Rebecca O’Connor’s passion for performing.
“I saw her and heard the power in her voice, and I said to my dad, this is what I want to do,” she said.
Rebecca, who was adopted by Irish parents Anne and Michael O’Connor at the age of two-and-a-half months, said she felt a sense of belonging and resemblance when she first saw Tina Turner.
“I had grown up in such a white environment and seeing Tina Turner, it felt like home,” she said.
“I think she is the most powerful and brave woman I have ever come across.”
A national tour brought Rebecca to our shores in 2010, where she has since enjoyed successful tours with sell-out shows.
With each performance, Rebecca received outstanding praise, standing ovations and one of the biggest compliments of her life from the woman herself.
“Rebecca is so good, she’s scary. If I had her energy, I would still be touring today,” Tina Turner has said.
According to Rebecca, there is no better compliment.
“I won a big competition in Europe, Stars in Their Eyes.
“I had a high profile in Europe and that’s when she heard of me,” she said.
“It is the biggest compliment I have even received in my life, to be honest with you,” she said.
“I’m amazed by it… overwhelmed by it… to be personally endorsed by her is just a dream come true.”
When asked what keeps her grounded, Rebecca said a life free from alcohol, drugs and cigarettes has helped her live in a negativity free world.
“Performing is my high,” she said.
“It is the only high I get and I don’t need anything else… I also have lots of early nights and meditate daily… a real party animal, I am,” she joked.
Rebecca is due to embark on her next national tour ‘Rebecca O’Connor is Simply the Best’, which will bring the effervescent performer to the Sunshine Beach Surf Club for one night only.
The crowd will be treated to breath-taking live performances of hits such as Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary and Private Dancer.
The show is expected to sell out, so don’t miss your chance to see Rebecca with her wild hair, sparkling mini dress, red lipstick and stiletto heels do the undisputed Queen of rock and roll pure justice in a performance that can only be described as “Simply the Best”.
Rebecca will perform at Sunshine Beach Surf Club on 12 July, from 8pm.
Tickets are available now at $25 for members and $27.50 for non-members. Phone 5447 5491 to secure your ticket.
