A local 13-year-old boy will perform at London’s O2 arena this weekend, after singing his way through a national talent competition.
Jamie Chatterton, from Lincoln, made it through each stage of the Open Mic UK 2012 competition, and will now compete at the Grand Final on Saturday January 19th.
He will be up against singers from across the UK, performing in front of a live audience and a panel of judges which will include Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale MBE and Kiss FM presenter Charlie Hedges.
However, after the judges have whittled down the acts to a final three in each category, a text vote from the public will help decide the winner.
It means people from Lincolnshire can help support Chatterton without being part of the audience in the Indigo theatre at London’s O2 arena.
Chatterton has previously sang on Britain’s Got Talent, and hopes to win over the judges and a live audience singing “Troublemaker” by Olly Murs. He will be helped by five backing dancers from Lincoln’s Sandy Gray School of Dancing, including his 14-year-old sister Ellie.
Chatterton spoke to The Linc as he prepares for the final: “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.
“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!”
Prizes from the competition include time in recording studios and £5000 for the overall winner to help kick-start a career in music.
You can watch some of Chatterton’s previous performances here.
Vote for Jamie Chatterton by texting Open28 to 86222, which will cost £1 plus one standard network message. Voting closes at 10.30pm on Saturday 19th January, or you can visit the Open Mic UK 2012 website for further details.