A YOUNG Wirral singer will showcase her talent at The O2 in a bid to kick-start her showbiz career.

Holly Wright, from Birkenhead, will take part in the grand final of the Open Mic UK competition this month, performing in front of thousands of people.

The national contest, which is open to solo artists of all genres, offers cash prizes and the chance to catch the eye of industry experts.

And after impressing the judging panel at each audition and heat, 21-year-old Holly is now preparing to step out on stage at the Indigo Lounge inside The O2 arena in London.

The former Birkenhead High School student is looking forward to showing off her skills at the event on January 19.

Holly, who is studying for an English degree at Coventry University, said: “I have been singing ever since I can remember and it is a real passion of mine. I have never done anything like this before, though so it is all brand new to me.

“Throughout the competition I have performed covers of songs which most people have probably not heard of so I can really make them my own.”

As part of the final, contestants are split into three categories – under-16, 16-to-20 and over-21s – with a winner from each one as well as an overall champion.

And Holly, who will be singing The Birds by The Weeknd is hoping her appearance in the contest will go some way to launching her professional singing career.

She added: “I can’t wait to get out there and perform now. It would be amazing if I impressed the judges enough to win and be noticed in the industry.

“At the moment I’m not thinking about an alternative career as this is all I want to do.”