Ipswich youngster to compete at national singing competition

Tamia Roper, of Ipswich, defeated eight other contestants, some of whom have had theatre training, to win singing competition Talent Nation.

She won the competition on her birthday performing Mimi Webb's House on Fire.

Tamia's only previous experience of singing in front of an audience had been doing karaoke with her dad, Dean, who also enjoys singing.

On winning the competition, she said: "I was amazed to win.

Tamia Roper won the competition by singing Mimi Webb's House on Fire (Image: Rebecca Roper)

"I was in tears when they had announced I had won."

Her mum, Rebecca, said: "We as a family love to go karaoke, singing is something we as a family love to do.

"We are incredibly proud of her confidence to get up on that stage and give everything she had, it was amazing.

"We are bursting with pride as parents and cannot wait to see her in the final."

Tamia Roper has been doing karaoke for years (Image: Rebecca Roper)

She will now compete against over 60 others from around the country at the final in Skegness on November 11.

The final will be hosted by broadcaster Vernon Kay, with a celebrity panel also set to be in attendance.

The winner of the competition will receive £2,000, a trophy and a free holiday.

Tamia singing with her dad, Dean (Image: Rebecca Roper)

Rebecca continued: "The experience alone is incredible for her to be a part of."

Tamia said: "I am so excited."

Tamia has listed her dad as an inspiration for her singing, having performed many duets together.

She also cites Suffolk singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran  as inspiration and she too hopes she can go on to become a singing star from Suffolk.

Tamia with her winnings from the competition (Image: Rebecca Roper)