A SINGING star has been chosen for the regional finals of a national competition to find new singing talent.

Amy Morrison, from Kingswood, auditioned for Open Mic UK 2009 at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool.

Amy, aged 16, said: “I really love to sing and I have a real passion for music.

“I wanted to see how far I could go with it because it’s always been an ambition. The judges were pretty quiet – I think they were trying not to give anything away.”

The contest gives singers the chance to shine in front of a panel of judges including pop star Dane Bowers, who has worked with Victoria Beckham and Liz McClarnon of Atomic Kitten.

Entrants are placed into three categories, under 16s, 16 to 23 and 23and over, with the winner being given a record deal and the chance to record their own album with an industry vocal specialist.

Amy added: “I sang Rihanna’s, Take a Bow at the audition and I was so nervous at first but once I’d started I felt ok.”

She now goes through to the Open Mic UK 2009 regional finals at the Liner Hotel on October 25, to compete for a place in the grand final later this year.