Swimmer Abby makes a splash in singing contest

Wednesday 29 January 2014 Updated: 31/01 12:41

Abby Huett (s)

SWIMMER turned singer Abby Huett is hoping to follow in the footsteps of X Factor finalist Luke Friend.

The 11-year-old has earned a place in the TeenStar regional finals after impressing judges in the open auditions on Saturday by singing Hurt by Christina Aguilera.

She will take her place in the pre-teen category at the NEC on Sunday, March 30. If she makes it through that she will be back at the venue for the area final on May 24 with the national final on a date and location to be decided.

Abby, a pupil at Avon Valley School, is new to singing. She is a member of Rugby's Synchronised Swimming Team which won a bronze medal in the 12 and under category at the British Gas ASA National Age Group Synchronised Swimming Championships 2013.

The team has also been nominated for this years Rugby Sports Award young team of the year.

Mum Katie said: "Abby is very new to singing although has done nothing but sing and dance around the house for years.

"She has two sisters, Grace is 13 and also a synchro swimmer and Lola is two and now sings with Abby, it's very funny.

"She is currently making up a song with her friend Georgie Crump who is a member of the band Tan Trum, who entered Rugby's got talent last year, and hopes to sing with Georgie will play the guitar in the next round."

Abby herself added: "I am so excited, I can't believe I am through."

TeenStar is run by Future Music which also runs the Open Mic UK competition. Last year's winner Luke Friend was also made it through to the later stages of X Factor.