January 8, 2013 8.53 am This story is over 133 months old

Young Lincoln singer prepares for competition grand final

Singing sensation: A young Lincoln singer has moved onto the grand final of a national music competition.

A boy from Lincoln is getting ready for the grand final of a singing competition held at London’s O2 arena.

Jamie Chatterton (13) from Heighington took part in the North of England and Scotland Area Final for the Open Mic UK competition on November 24.

He performed a mash-up of Michael Buble’s ‘Feeling Good’ and Bruno Mars’ ‘Runaway’, alongside four backing dancers — one of which is his sister Ellie (14) and her friends from The Sandy Gray School of Dancing.

Jamie performed in front of a live audience and professional judging panel, who are looking for the best unsigned singers in the country.

His performance was a success, sending him through to the Grand Final of the 16 & under category, which will be held on January 19.

If successful, Jamie will get £5,000 cash for the development of his music, plus other cash runner-up prizes. Additionally he will get publicity packages and the chance to tour across the UK.

Previous winners include Hatty Keane and Birdy, who had a top 20 album containing big hit “Skinny Love”, a Bon Iver cover.

Jamie said:  “I’m really nervous about this performance because it’s in front of so many people and the judges are well known music industry personalities but I’m looking forward to it and am going to make the most of the opportunity. I would love to win the competition but there are a lot of really good singers so I’m just going to give it my best and enjoy the whole experience.”

Mother Sarah Chatterton added: “I can’t begin to tell you how proud we are of Jamie for getting through to the Grand Final of the Open Mic UK competition.

“We’ve always known that he had a talent but to see it in it’s full glory and have it recognised by industry professionals was incredible.

“This round of the competition was about so much more than just Jamie singing, it was about the whole performance. We wanted there to be more of a wow factor so we asked his elder sister and three of her friends from the Sandy Gray School of Dancing to be backing dancers for him. They were absolutely amazing but didn’t detract from him, so it worked perfectly.

“It’s nerve-wracking watching your kids perform, especially when they’re both on stage at the same time, but it’s also the most amazing feeling, knowing that you have nurtured them and developed their personality to such a point where they are willing to put themselves out there.

“We can’t wait until the grand final, what an amazing experience it will be for all those involved.”

To support Jamie, text OPEN28 to 86222. Texts £1 plus a standard operator message charge.