BY CHRIS DUNNE

NOBODY  is more surprised than Charlotte Ahern to hear that her 12-year-old son, Ger, could be a future X Factor contender. But according to Louis Walsh, the young star from Dublin Pike is destined for stardom.
“Louis was blown away when he heard Ger sing over the airwaves,” says Charlotte. “He just said ‘Wow!’ Which is a big deal for him to even comment on a singer without seeing him perform.
“He couldn’t believe Ger is only 12 and said it was a pity he wasn’t 16, because he’d be snapped up for the X Factor talent show. Ger himself was blown away by Louis’ reaction.
“Some children show a talent for singing at a young age when they take part in school concerts and plays,” adds Charlotte.
“Ger never did. The only musical connection in the family is that his grandad sang in the Cork Male Voice Choir. But Chloe, his older sister, reckoned Ger had that ‘X’ factor.”
Charlotte continues: “Ger was your ordinary run-of-the-mill young fellow, into sports and his pals, until his sister Chloe entered him into a talent competition in Blackpool.
“She thought he had a great voice and that he was a character, a natural performer, who could command the stage.”
His sister was proven right.
“Ger was only eight at the time and he wowed the crowds and the judges with his rendition of Checking It Out by Lil’ Chris.
Ger was voted into first place, ahead of 84 other contestants who performed over two weekends.
It wouldn’t be long before the youngster was spotted by professional scouts.
Longford-based Steve Bloor, a popular figure on the country music scene and whose camera talents are put to good use on Hot Country on the Sky 201 channel, as well as producing numerous videos, brought together three young lads who would make up the Wee Amigos.
He chose Ger, accompanied by Ben Troy from Monaghan, and Simon Peters from Donegal. The trio appeared on the Late Late Show, which according to Ger was the highlight of his career to date.
During the summer, Ger used the time out of school to branch out to perform gigs on his own, and he is proving very popular for weddings and… wait for it — hen parties.
Speaking of ladies, Ger must get his fair share of female attention?
“Well, I was doing a gig up North recently and afterwards, this lovely girl came up to me and asked me if I’d like to go to her Debs with her,” says Ger.
“I was very flattered, but she was 17, a little bit too old for me!”