Local singer in OpenMic UK final

If you have been following the story on Audlem Online, you will know that local singer-songwriter Heidi Browne has been working her way through the rounds of UK talent search 'Open Mic UK.'

When we last heard from her, she had beaten off stiff competition at The Royal Northern College of Music, in the North West Regional Finals and she was looking for local support for the Area Finals in Dewsbury.

Judging by the revelry on Monday, you may have guessed that Sunday 1st December had been a successful night!

Heidi said: 'I was worried I wouldn't be able to get many supporters up to Yorkshire for the North of Britain Finals. It's such a long way!

Amazingly, in the last day loads of people rallied round and I ended up selling out. My friends, family and fans were all sat in the front few rows but I couldn't see them as the lights were dazzling. It wasn't until my sister screamed when my name was called out that I realised where they were!

The Town hall was a beautiful Victorian building with high arched ceilings and a theatre circle above, which was unfortunately populated by avid and vocal supporters of a rapper! They were a bit rowdy and were told off! 25 acts competed and some had travelled as much as four hours from Glasgow and deepest Wales with coach-loads of people.

There were singers from every genre you could imagine. I sang an original song 'Boy Who Doesn't Care' and I was accompanied by my brother Joe on djembe. I think his Christmas jumper was a good move, as we were the first to be put through to the National Final. The performance wasn't too bad either, considering I was terrified!'

Local musician Alisdair McKenzie was watching in the 3rd row. "As soon as she started, it was a sure thing. She was a breath of fresh air."

Heidi now has a month to prepare for the Grand Final which will include winners from all over the United Kingdom. From around 9,000 applicants, it has now been whittled down to the final 20. Other artists who were successful in the North of Britain Area final include a rapper and an Opera singer, so the final is set to be eclectic to say the least!

The final will be judged by music industry professionals: musicians, Radio DJ's and journalists. There will also be A&R people in the audience.

Heidi needs your support more than ever as each ticket is also a voting card. If the judges are unsure it will go to audience vote!

The UK Finals of OPEN MIC UK will be held at:
NEC, Birmingham
Saturday January 18th @ 8pm

Tickets are £20 including parking. You can purchase them through Heidi directly.
Email info@heidibrowne.co.uk to request one. Heidi's new album 'Lost In Grey' is also out later this month.

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