Wirral YouTube sensation Bronnie Hughes releases video for new single

The 18-year-old, from Caldy, co-wrote High School Sucks with singer/song writer Chris Bourne, younger brother of Busted front man James Bourne.

The video was launched last Sunday.

It is the latest chapter of success for Bronnie, who won an international covers competition organised by American Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest two years ago after battling it out on YouTube for international exposure.

Still from Bronnie Hughes' video for 'High School Sucks'

On the single's evolution, she told the Globe: "I wrote the song a few years ago.

"On February 6 last year, I was off school and watched American Pie the movie.

"It made me think how different the reality of High School and College is for most people compared to what's portrayed in the movies, so I wrote the song.

"A lot of people have said that they relate to the song."

The song was recorded at Edge Recording Studios in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

It was produced by John Delf and Mark Winterburn.

Bronnie, who attended Hilbre High School in Newton and later West Kirby Grammar, continued: "John is currently running front of house sound for Australian rock band 5 Seconds of Summer on their world tour.

"It's exciting working with these guys and the studio setting is incredible, an old farm in Cheshire."

Bronnie and fellow band members all attend Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and are due to graduate this summer.

She said: "LIPA has been a great experience and importantly I've been able to make great contacts in the music industry, particularly with great guitarists, bassists and drummers."

The first round of the American Idol competition saw Bronnie and 12 other hopefuls put their mark on 5 Seconds of Summer’s hit Amnesia, while the second saw her battle it out with seven other successful contestants.

Bronnie, who was also the youngest competitor, won the contest with her simple acoustic driven rework of Amnesia, during which she punches an impassioned high note during the final chorus.

She started off with the smallest fan base of the competitors, her popularity grew as the competition progressed.

Her cover song even caught the attention of One Direction's Louis Tomlinson who directed his Twitter followers to vote for Bronnie in the final.

Other admirers of her work included Tom Fletcher of McBusted, and former Liverpool football star Robbie Fowler amongst others.

Looking back on her career to so far: "I've been so lucky since I won the Ryan Seacrest contest in 2014.

"I've met so many great musicians like Louis Tomlinson from One Direction, the guys from 5 Seconds of Summer, Tom Fletcher from McBusted and Hey Violet.

"My social media accounts have grown so much and people are so lovely and supportive.

"I now have more than 27,000 followers on Twitter and I've been so touched when people from as far afield as America and Portugal have asked to meet me to have a photo taken or get an autograph.

"My Twitter handle is @Bronnie97.

"I also have a Facebook page and Instagram.

"Hilbre School gave me a great grounding in Music and they were so supportive and the qualifications achieved at West Kirby Grammar and Hilbre School helped me get onto the LIPA course that I wanted - Popular Music and Sound Technology.

"It feels strange to be graduating and ending my studies but it's great to become a full time musician."

Her love of songwriting is simple.

She said: "When people are feeling sad, I want to make the music they listen to, to make them feel happier and I want to write music that a lot of teenagers can relate to, with a pop/rock/punk approach."

Bronnie is appearing at a fundraiser at her former school Hilbre High next Friday July 15 and on the Wirral Radio stage at the fun day at Hamilton Square, Birkenhead on July 26.

Then she's off to America, before playing at Rebellion in Manchester in early September.