Vote for Lauren, 11, in open mic competition

A youngster from Hemel Hempstead needs text message votes to make it through to the next stage of a prestigious music competition.
Lauren Rogers has made it to the regional finals of the Open Mic UK competition.Lauren Rogers has made it to the regional finals of the Open Mic UK competition.
Lauren Rogers has made it to the regional finals of the Open Mic UK competition.

Lauren Rogers, 11, got to the regional finals of the Open Mic UK competition but needs support to get to the next stage - the area finals at Birmingham’s NEC.

She is hoping to make it through via a wildcard option that is open to those who did not get picked to go on to the next level by judges.

So far, Lauren, who goes to St Albert The Great School, is at the top of the leader board for the most text votes on the competition’s website - www.openmicuk.co.uk.

Mum Hanna Rogers, of Adeyfield, said: “I’m very proud. She has always had a natural singing ability and it’s just good to see her progress,” while dad Dan said: “We are really proud of her for having the confidence to do this at only 11 years old.”

Until recently Lauren was attending performing arts school Stagecoach and she’s been having singing lessons.

The open mic competition is the biggest search for unsigned talent in the UK and travels the country every year in search of the best singers, singer-songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres performing either covers or their own original material.

The contest is run by Future Music - the company behind the discovery of artists such as Atlantic Record’s Jacob Banks, Warner Music’s Birdy, Sony Music’s Jaymi Hensley from Union J and Jahmene Douglas, Luke Friend and Columbia Record’s Lucy Spraggan.

Events co-ordinator Chris Grayston said: “Every year that we hold this competition the bar is raised and the quality gets higher and higher. We’re really looking forward to experiencing the raw talent from across the country.”

Over the years the competition has discovered some of the best new talent and propelled them to the big stage, working closely with Sony, Universal, Warner and Syco.

Those who make it through will take part in a live head-to-head battle alongside the best talent in their area, performing in front of hundreds of audience members and a music industry judging panel in their bid to win a place at the national final.

At the final, being held at London’s O2, there will be a £5,000 prize up for grabs for the winner to spend on developing their music career.

To vote for Lauren text Wildcard515 to 84222. Texts cost £1.