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Previous winners include Birdy!

The UK's largest talent competition for singers and songwriters travelled to Portsmouth this week to see the best acts in the area battle it out for a chance to play at the grand final at the O2 in January.

The weather at the Portsmouth Guildhall was freezing, but the competition was smoking hot! Well done to everyone who came along on Saturday 27^th November and put on such an amazing show.

Here the judges give us some feedback from the event, but remember it could all change at the grand final.

Please note: views expressed by Judges are opinions and in no way reflect the views of Open Mic UK. 

The judges were: Singer songwriter Graeme Ennis, Darren Ashford from ICMP, from Vocal Tutor Amelia McCloskey, International performer and vocal coach Rosalind Fountain, Radio Solent’s Carl Ralley and Future Music’s Chris Grayston.

Nataylia Roni;

Good singer, nice vocal control and range, but style seems a little dated, also be careful not to overreach on those big notes, sounded a bit strained in places.

Tom Mounsey;

 Nice full sound from the guitar, excellent performance and nice laid back style, judges preferred your second song, and liked your passion.

Jamie Leigh;

Good, safe vocal, and a solid performance, but with competition this good, need to absolutely shine out from the others, judges thought you played it a bit safe.

Chloe Akam;

Really funny, and definitely entertaining, but not sure that this is the right competition for you – definitely a theatre star in the making though.

Dan Rumsey;

Nice voice and image, but you need to ensure your pitch is right as you sounded a bit too low. Iron out those occasional flat notes and you will be one to watch for the future.

Anna-Marie Watson;

You looked as though you were having fun, but very out of tune,  you have a nice tone to your voice- worth looking into vocal coaching.

Stella;

Loved your image Stella! You were confident and clearly enjoying the performance, strong vocal but you need to avoid sounding too ‘cabaret’.

Jessie Mullen & Danny Boy Phillips;

Liked the act, good setup and nice performance, but need to interact with the audience more and don’t be afraid of using your vocal dynamics a bit more –loads of potential here.

Sarah Kingswell;

Lovely voice and a captivating performance, lovely, folky tone to your singing. Judges preferred the second song and want to see you give a bit more passion next time. Well done.

Renz DMP;

 Judges found you a bit hard to hear, preferred the second track to the first and while you were entertaining, thought you could do with some kind of backing to make it more visually interesting.

Nikki Clutton;

Good version of an anthem! Judges would have liked to hear a more varied set for your voice, and take care with the guitar playing.

Tyrone Piper;

Strong voice, but too West End for this competition, nice delivery, but the judges were hoping to hear something more contemporary. You did give a good show though, good job.

 Nick Tatham;

 Lovely gravelly tone to your voice, and a nice choice of cover - all the judges loved your performance, and it was nice to see someone up there smiling and enjoying themselves.

Jennifer Parker-Lummis;

Lovely powerful strong voice, and you looked fab, but the judges really wanted to hear something a bit more contemporary, you have excellent vocal control and range, good performance.

Ruxpin;

Really good guitar playing, although your posture made you look a bit awkward, and you need to engage with your audience a bit more. Loved your song, brilliant choice and well-executed.

Anthony Tyler;

Good set up, tight harmonies, liked the originality of the act, an all-round feel good performance.

Ben Faux;

Absolutely beautiful voice, real talent, looked great and everyone loved your cover. A star in the making.

Emily Clare;

Good performance, but need to put more into your stage routine, as opposed to just walking up and down, you have a lovely voice, please try not to overshout the big notes, as it takes away from the rest

Jamie Pearce;

Just brilliant, version, a real talent, but judges felt your image wasn’t quite right for the song choice. You shone out during a very tough day!