Stage set for final singing showdown

AN Oldham crooner has beaten off stiff competition from singers across the country to make the grand final of a national music contest.

Paul Speak-Heaton will appear at the final of Open Mic UK at The Willows in Salford on December 6.

If he wins, Paul will get access to a management and recording contract after being crowned UK’s Best on the Mic 2009.

Thousands of singers entered the competition with auditions touring 12 regions across the country. Successful acts not only had to impress the judges but also perform under pressure and wow hundreds of spectators at the live regional shows.

Chris Grayston, events director of Open Mic UK, said: “The standard this year has been outstanding — there has been a great mix of pop, acoustic and rhythm and blues acts and a good balance of covers and original material.

“The finalists will really have to work hard ahead of the final and then pull out the performance of their lives in order to be crowned the overall winner — we’re in for a great final show.”

The overall winner of the competition will have the opportunity to record their album in professional studios with an industry vocal specialist and the potential of large investment for a single release with the aim of hitting the charts.

Thrust into the spotlight through the print, radio and television media, the winner will also have the chance to tour across the UK and receive mass exposure.

Representing the best of this region’s talent, Paul is hoping for all the regional support possible to be crowned the UK’s best Open Mic UK act.

For more information on Open Mic and how to secure your audition place for next year’s competition, go to www.openmicuk.co.uk.