Danielle Bowey (18), of Fantail Close, has reached the regional finals of Idol 2008, a nationwide search for a star attracting more than 10,000 hopefuls.

The guitarist and singer will have to perform in front of an audience and judging panel at a live regional heat on October 1 in Croydon.

She is preparing a rendition of Michelle Branch's Everywhere, one of her favourite songs, to wow the judges and beat 17 other contestants.

She said: "I was nervous going into the audition but now I have got through that I am more confident. I took part in a singing competition at school when I was living in Croydon.

"It was our version of Pop Idol and I got to record a song. I did Girls Aloud's Sound of the Underground.

"I have spent two years at Boston College studying performing arts and I enjoy karaoke at the Punchbowl.

"My absolute dream is to sing on a really big stage and for people to enjoy my performance."

Danielle will be testing her performance at a 60th birthday party for her nan Joanna.

The national singing and dancing competition is in its fourth year and is second only to ITV's X Factor for the number of entrants it attracts.

The grand final, televised on ITV Local, will be held in Portsmouth in November and the winner will have the chance to record an album.