COMPETITION is today hotting up for Ipswich performers trying to make it as the region's number one singing star.Four amateur singers have made it through to the final heats of a talent-search competition in East Anglia.

COMPETITION is today hotting up for Ipswich performers trying to make it as the region's number one singing star.

Four amateur singers have made it through to the final heats of a talent-search competition in East Anglia.

The East Anglia's X-Style Factor, based on the TV show The X-Factor, saw 250 people audition - and the final 14 include four people from Suffolk.

Andrew Spall, 31, Cassie Wellfare, 18, Kate Waddall, 23, and Lisa Pennie, 19, now face four final heats before they find out if they are crowned the region's number one.

Mr Spall, a postman from Manchester Road, Ipswich, said: “I've won various karaoke competitions in Ipswich and even won a competition to be the best Elton John 'alike'.

“I just like singing for people.

“Finding success will be about being in the right place at the right time and you never know who will spot us at these events.”

Miss Wellfare, a barwoman from Rosehill Road, Ipswich, auditioned for television's The X-Factor. She said: “Simon Cowell and the other judges said I was really good but not what they were looking for - whatever that means.”

Miss Waddell, of Witnesham, said: “We don't like being called wannabes. We can sing it's just we are not famous yet.

“I don't think I'm going to win as the standards are really high but I'd just like to get as far as possible.”

Miss Pennie, from Swansea Avenue, Ipswich, said: “I've been singing for as long as I can remember and am really proud to have got so far in such a good competition.”

The final heats are being held in Norwich. The first heat is on Sunday and will see three of the final 16 knocked out.

The eventual winner, to be announced on October 23, will get £500 and a 12-month agency contract among their prizes.

Organiser Andy Styles said: “We know there is a lot of talent in East Anglia who never get their chance to be seen or heard so we came up with this idea.

“The eventual winner will hold the title for a year. This is the first year of the competition but if the enthusiasm and quality of the singers is anything to go by we are looking forward to producing an annual event.”

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