A young singer has made the final of a national talent search competition.

Rebecca Christina Barry, 15, from Croxley Green made the regional final of the annual Soundwaves Music Competition beating hundreds of singers and bands in the audition process.

She will compete in the London Grand Final on July 13 (Saturday) at the O2 in Islington with 14 other acts.

The Soundwaves competition's previous entrants include America’s Got Talent star Courtney Hadwin and X Factor’s Sam Lavery.

Rebecca said: “I was so shocked and grateful to reach the regional final as I couldn’t have predicted it and it really boosted my confidence in the knowledge that people actually like hearing my original music.”

Watford Observer:

The performance at the O2 will give budding musicians the chance to perform in front of record labels and members of the music industry.

She has so far competed in four rounds hoping to reach five if she makes it to the National Finals in Birmingham after the London Grand finals at the O2. The Winner of the National Final will receive the chance to tour the UK.

She added: “When I first found out I got to the live stage round I was thrilled but of course slightly nervous as anyone would be when they care about something.

“The level of talent was so high with bands playing who had been playing gigs all over London already and then just little me so it was challenging but I just went on as my bubbly confident self and tried my best.

“I really didn’t expect to be shortlisted to the London finals.”

Rebecca’s love for music began when she ventured into musical theatre at a young age and fell in love with the performing arts.

She said: “Through musical theatre I realised that commercial music was more appealing to me and I began song writing all the time and learning the piano.

“I’ve always loved the performing arts and being on stage from a young age I find music so rewarding because it really is something you have to work hard at, more than people realise.

“Writing your own songs that are relatable and that people like to listen too is an incredible feeling and very humbling.”

Rebecca is hoping to release an extended play record (EP) next year called Senses, inspired by her two younger brothers who both have autism and sensory displacement.

She said: “The EP is based on the five senses, so each song will focus on a different sense with a romantic theme or troubled thoughts from a teenage perspective.”

Her music is inspired further by her role models from musicians Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran.

Rebecca believes performing and taking part in competitions are a great way to help boost self-esteem as you get to meet other like-minded musicians.

She added: “I feel blessed to have made a lot of friends and music contacts through competitions and I am currently working with some great people."

For the future she is hoping to get into the performing arts commercial industry and to become a role model in music.

She added: “Playing at the O2 would be an incredible experience and I’m so excited.

The main prize winning a UK tour would be a dream come true and great platform for me to build up my demographic.”

Rebecca will be performing live again in for people at home at the Croxley Green Community Centre on July 14 (Sunday) at 7pm.