BETH Hart’s story reads like the script for a Hollywood movie.

Aged 21, following a bet with a friend she entered and subsequently won a major TV talent show in her native United States - picking up the $100,000 prize along the way.

A string of hits followed but a combination of drugs and an undiagnosed bi-polar condition saw everything start to fall apart.

Salvation came in the shape of her tour manager Scott Guetzkow, whom she subsequently married, successful treatment for her condition and quitting the drugs habit.

She has become the singer of choice for guitar giants Joe Bonamassa and Jeff Beck and has released a series of acclaimed albums and undertaken a series of sold out tours on both side of the Atlantic.

Last month she released her new album Fire on the Floor and is now heading over to the UK.

“Yes, it’s a pretty nice place to be at the moment,” said Beth.

Fire on the Floor has been getting rave reviews with critics particularly impressed by the diverse nature of songs all showcasing THAT voice.

“It’s ironic really,” she said. “I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on the different styles on the album when other times I’ll have journalists and critics getting annoyed by it. It’s funny how we go in and out of different styles.

“To be honest I think it’s pretty much what I have always done on my records, they are always pretty eclectic.

“But that’s only natural because I just listened to so many different genres growing up and there are so many styles I love and adore. It makes sense I would write in different directions depending on the mood I was in at the time.

“I remember early in my career, the label would complain about me being all over the place in terms of my writing. They would say ‘you have to give your audience what they want and most people don’t like different styles’ but to me, you can’t be what you are not.

“I think that all artists are true to themselves but unfortunately they can get into relationships with people who are powerful and who get them to do what they think they should do to have a good career.

“Their intentions may not be bad but as they say, the road to hell paved with good intentions.

“When you are young, you want to have a life in music and want to get along with everyone.

“It’s really hard to stand up for yourself as you don’t want trouble, but from experience I’d say that trouble is sometimes the only thing that gets thing done in the long run.”

Beth admits that she has mellowed over the years.

“I’ve got to remember that I’m blessed to have some many comforting factors in my life now. I do have a great therapist, I have a wonderfully loving husband and I have medication which I can afford to take for my bi-polar - and I have my music.

“I also like Tony Bennett’s wonderful phrase that if you live long enough, life teaches you how to live it. That’s a fabulous saying don’t you think?”

Fire on the Floor was recorded while Beth’s previous album Better Than Home was still undergoing its final mixes. She recorded 16 songs in just three days

“It was something I just needed to do,” she said. “Working on Better Than Home had been a pretty traumatic experience and I just needed to go back in the studio.”

Beth Hart, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, Monday, November 21 The show is sold out but check at the box office for returns