A teenage singing star will compete in the final of a prestigious music competition tomorrow.

Emily Izen Row, a year 12 pupil at Cranbrook School, is one of 25 acts competing in Open Mic UK Grand Final at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

She has already fended off competition from close to 12,000 unsigned singers in the audition process and qualified after taking part in regional and area heats.

The 16-year-old, of Blue Coats Lane in Goudhurst, said: “I’m delighted and quite surprised. Ofcourse this was the goal from the start but I’ve never really done anything like this before.

“I didn’t really know what to expect and I’m amazed that I’ve got this far. I’m so happy.

“It’s incredible because it’s very competitive and there’s a lot of people my age who want to go into it.

“My confidence over the past couple of months and my family and friends have been so supportive.

“I’ve wanted to be a singer a long time now and I’m hoping I can be a singer songwriter in the future. I want to perform my own music."

Emily, who first started singing around six years ago, describes her style as being acoustic and plans to study music performance at university.

If she wins the competition she will receive £5,000 in cash to help fund her career.

She could also win some time in a recording studio and professional singing lessons.
The winner is decided by public vote.

For more details on the competition, and to see Emily perform, visit: www.openmicuk.co.uk/

To vote for Emily text OPEN44 to 86222.