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Abby who will compete in the pre-teen category of TeenStar (s)
ABBY Huett is one step away from a place in the grand final of the TeenStar singing contest.
The 11-year-old Avon Valley School pupil won her place in the regional final at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday, May 24 after topping the public vote with a song written by friend Georgie Crump who is in the band Tan.Trum and appeared on stage with her playing guitar.
This time she is hoping to impress the panel of competition judges - which includes Radio One DJ Annie Nightingale, Ivor Novello Award winner Mark Hill and Dane Bowers from Another Level - with her version of If It Hadn't Been for Love which was a B-side on Adele's single Rolling in the Deep although was originally by American band The SteelDrivers.
But in part thanks to The Observer Abby has already been into the recording studio after winning a session at Born in a Barn studios in Ansty and a singing lesson from Progress Music Academy Birmingham after winning the most publicity contest in the previous round after also featuring on Rugby FM.
"The competition will be tough and Abby is working on improving her stage presence and confidence in front of a large audience, there must have been over 300 people at the last event," said mum Katie.
"She was very nervous as it was her first competition."
Abby is relatively new to singing, but is already an accomplished synchro swimmer.
And as well as preparing for the TeenStar finals has a very busy month in the pool as part of the British ASA synchronised swimming training programme for emerging talent.
The grand final also takes place at the NEC on July 19 when the winner will get £5,000 and coverage in magazine such as Q and Mojo as well as a slot at The Hop Farm Music Festival.
Last year's winner Luke Friend made it to the latter stages of X Factor.
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