AN AM-DRAM theatre star is celebrating after she beat 9,000 wannabe singers to the grand final of a prestigious music contest.
Abby Murphy, from Terling, will compete in the final of TeenStar today (July 19) the same day she turns 12. And if she wins the pre-teen category of the competition, she will join the ranks of previous winners Luke Friend and Jahmene Douglas of X Factor fame.
Abby, who goes to St Mary's School in Colchester, said: "I'm starting to get really nervous about the final but I'm really excited too. I think I have as good a chance as anybody at winning.
"I've been performing since I was seven or eight years old. I just love going up on stage and seeing all the people. I get scared just before I go on but then it goes away when I'm on stage."
The TeenStar talent search gives unsigned artists of 19 years old and under the opportunity to showcase their talent.
Abby has already seen off thousands of hopefuls after battling her way through the regional heats in Southend, where she performed Disney hit song Let It Go, from animated film Frozen, in front of a panel of judges.
And the winner of Saturday's grand final at Birmingham's NEC will walk away with £5,000 in prize money to help fund their development.
"I would just love people to know who I was and hear me sing in the future," added Abby, who counts popstar Sara Bareilles among her inspirations.
Abby is also keen to act her age on stage and avoid songs about love or heartbreak, an attitude that the competition organisers have supported.
"They are supportive and have stressed the importance of Abby doing what she's most comfortable with," said Abby's mum Jacqui.
Saturday's winner will also be given an extensive publicity package as well as a consultation and development package, including help with social media marketing, image, and branding to kick-start their musical career.
