October 23, 2012 11.27 am This story is over 136 months old

Lincoln boy takes singing competition by storm

Singing competition: Twelve-year-old Jamie Chatterton from Lincoln is one step away from performing at the O2 in London.

Twelve-year-old Jamie Chatterton from Lincoln is one step away from performing at the O2 in London, after he wowed the crowd and judging panel at the Open Mic UK Regional Showcase.

Thousands of acts entered Open Mic UK 2012 and the best unsigned singers from across the country were chosen to perform at the live regional final shows.

Jamie performed in front of a live audience and professional judging panel on October 13 in Dewsbury.

He is now set to perform at the area final for the chance to progress to the national grand final at the O2 in London on January 19, 2013.

Jamie said: “I love all types of performing but singing is my passion. I love to sing all genres of music from Sammy Davis Jr and Mr Bojangles to Ed Sheeran’s Lego House.

“I sing all the time and it’s definitely what I want to do when I’m older. I have singing lessons and try to get lots of experience by taking part in local amateur productions.

“I am also about to play Friedrich in the County Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (CAODS) production of The Sound of Music which is on at the Theatre Royal from 29 October – 10th November.”

Those who made it through the audition stage took part in a live Regional head-to-head battle alongside the best talent in their area. Acts performed in front of hundreds of audience members and industry judges for the chance to grab a breakthrough recording contract.

The competition is divided into age categories; 16 and under, 17-22 and 23 and over; all types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK.

There’s over £50,000 in prizes up for grabs this year and the overall winner getting significant investment. They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.