A SINGER from Burnham has made it to the final of a prestigious singing competition, having been whittled down from hundreds of applicants.

Loula Panayi, 27, of Western Road, Burnham is one of six singers in the final of Mecca Bingo’s “Mecca Star Search” competition, with the final being held in Birmingham on January 20.

The web series gives performers and members of Mecca Bingo a chance to shine in front of a panel of four judges with prize money and a chance to perform with singers from The X Factor.

This year’s series began in November, with the six finalists now appealing for votes before the live streamed final at The Belfry in Birmingham on January 20.

The winner will receive £2,500 prize money and get to sing on the same stage as contestants from The X Factor.

Loula was chosen as a finalist by judge and Emmerdale actress Claire King. The other three judges are singer Gareth Gates, Daily Star reporter Susan Hill and TV personality Charlotte Lawson.

In her episode which was uploaded to YouTube, Loula received praise from all judges for her vocal range and high notes.

Claire King said: “You have a real depth to your voice, very powerful.”

Gareth Gates said: “Your voice is absolutely huge, you hit all those beautiful high notes.”

Loula said: “I saw the ad for the competition online, I thought that it would be good to gain the experience and confidence as I lack both. The prize money also attracted me!

“I was so excited to hear from the producer of the competition that I had got through to the judges round. I travelled up to the exclusive Hospital club in Covent Garden where all the auditions from hundreds of applications were.

“I was first up singing Etta James ‘At Last’ and I was so nervous! To my surprise I received really good comments from all the judges.

“With these comments I was buzzing. I had to wait around a few hours then got called back along with all contestants. We then got told who the judges had picked to take to the finals, Claire picked me and I just couldn’t believe it!”

Loula will perform for the final, alongside artists such as Ben Haenow, Misha B, and 5 After Midnight.

Voting closes on Wednesday. Visit www.meccabingo.com/voting-page.