SUFFOLK performers have showed off their star potential.

SUFFOLK performers have showed off their star potential.

Dancers and singers taking part in the Idol 2008 competition wowed the judges with their talent, passion and sense of fun.

The regional final of the competition was held at Ipswich's Corn Exchange on Sunday, and now those that progressed to the next round will take part in the national final in Portsmouth on November 29.

Judge Emma Hawley said she had been amazed by the talent on display in the town.

She added: “The standard was so high and the atmosphere was electric.

“It was the best dance regional final we have had so far and we have been to Croydon, Manchester, Leeds and other cities.

“In all the other places we only put through one dance act but we took through three from this round because the standard was exceptionally high.

“There were lots of different styles. We had ballroom, acrobatic, street and more.

“The choreography was brilliant and it was very hard to choose who went through.”

One of the contestants who now has a glimpse of stardom after making it through is 16-year-old Jade Peters.

The Northgate High School pupil belted out a rendition of Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You' to impress the judges and be one of two signers picked in the under 18 category.

Her mum, Suzanna Sadler, of Forfar Close, Ipswich, said: “She's done really well.

“She's a little star. She doesn't even get nervous - I get more nervous than her.

“It is a big deal that she has got through, now we want as many people to come to support her in the final as possible.”

Did you make it through to the final? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.