At just 11 years old, Lyttelton’s Cleo Fitzgerald is already making her mark as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young music talents.
Crowned the 2025 New Zealand Golden Guitar Junior Champion, Cleo has quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice, stage presence, and natural storytelling ability through song.
Cleo has performed widely across New Zealand, with her highlights from 2025 being her headline show at the Lyttelton Arts Festival, a lead role in her school production, and selection as a solo artist for Christchurch’s ‘Christmas in the Park’.
Cleo is holding a fundraising event at Evil Genius in Ferrymead on Saturday 4 October – an initiative to help support her in her music journey.
Creative Christchurch caught up with Cleo to chat about life and music.
Cleo Fitzgerald / Supplied
When did you first realise you loved singing and performing?
I have been singing for as long as I could talk and I realised I loved it when I did my first performance at Lyttelton Arts Factory when I was 5 years old. I sang ‘A Million Dreams’.
Who are your favourite singers, bands, or performers right now?
Sabrina Carpenter, Katseye, Marlon Williams, Cassie Henderson, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus.
What’s your all-time favourite song to sing, whether at home, on stage, or just for fun?
To perform I think it would be ‘Creep’ (by Radiohead).
How do you feel right before you go on stage? Do you get excited, nervous, both?
Definitely both! But once I get on stage I love it and use my nerves to help me perform!
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Paris or New York.
Apart from music, what are some fun things you like doing after school or at the weekend?
I like hanging out with my friends, drawing, reading, dance, playing with my dogs and relaxing!
Is there someone you look up to, either in music or in everyday life?
In music I look up to Lorde as she’s from New Zealand and she’s doing so well internationally.
Do you like writing your own songs, and if so, what sorts of things inspire your lyrics?
I’m only just starting to write some music… It’s tricky as an 11-year-old to know what to write about yet.
What’s next for you?
In November I will be performing as a solo artist in the Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and in January 2026 I will be heading off to Tamworth for the Country Music Festival. I am performing in the New Zealand Showcase and competing. This year I am also performing in the Sole Music Academy end of year Showcase. I hope 2026 and beyond have many exciting opportunities for me! One of my biggest goals is to be on The Voice and tour around the world performing.
