TEENAGER Aimee Wallace is today hoping to follow in family footsteps - and has a heart set on a career in showbiz.

By RICHARD CORNWELL Felixstowe editor

richard.cornwell@eveningstar.co.uk>

TEENAGER Aimee Wallace is today hoping to follow in family footsteps - and has a heart set on a career in showbiz.

The 13-year-old has taken a big step forward by being selected as one of a successful few dozen from 10,000 who auditioned nationally to take part in the next round of Live and Unsigned, one of the country's biggest live talent contests.

Aimee, whose mum Shez Southernwood was a dancer and magician's assistant and whose aunt Gemma Andrews is currently in Mamma Mia in the West End, has won through to the regional final of the event, to be held at Hayes on March 29.

Ms Southernwood, of Cobbold Road, Felixstowe, said Aimee was determined to pursue a stage career.

“This competition is massive and if I had realised that before we went down to the auditions, I might have thought twice about taking her - is this really the best thing for her at only 13?” she said.

“There were hundreds of people there from all over the region.

“But Aimee was fine, very cool and laid back about the whole thing, and now she is very excited and pleased to have got through. I am very proud.”

Aimee, a student at Orwell High School in Felixstowe, has been appearing in musicals and shows in the area since she was small, and is also a member of the successful Team Spirit cheerleaders.

“She is determined to succeed and is absolutely focussed,” said her mum.

“Because it has gone through the family, she knows what a tough game it is and that there will be knock-backs occasionally and how to take them. She goes into this fully informed.

“She knows that unless you become a superstar you never make any money, and she knows it is hard work on the road, working cruise ships and shows, and often it is not glamorous at all.”

Ms Southernwood is now trying to get Aimee as many live appearances at caf�s, restaurants and hotels as possible over the next few weeks to give her extra experience of performing her songs live.

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FASTFACTS: Live and Unsigned

Auditions are held all over the country with winners going through to regional finals and a chance to make the national final.

Entrants have to sing one of their own songs and a cover of a hit.

The aim is to find potential recording artists and is open to bands and solo singers from all genres.

The winner receives a �20,000 package with Future Music to record their first single.

Finalists are also invited to take part in a 100-gig tour, including performances at many top festivals.

Last year's winners Kiddo360 have already won the Vodafone Live Music Award.