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Music teacher takes on alternative X-Factor

Posted by Ed Saunt on Sep 10, 09 04:15 PM in People

A Feltham music teacher is hoping for stardom as she enters the regional finals of a national singing competition.

Jazz vocalist Pam Pecko has shunned the brighter lights of contest like X Factor and Britain's Got Talent to take part in Open Mic UK - a new competition for singers of all ages and genres.

Unlike the popular ITV shows, Open Mic encompasses a greater breadth of styles, allowing Pam to power through to the next stage in November with her traditional American jazz.

The 42-year-old from Parkfield Crescent, who teaches at ACS International School in Hillingdon, said: "I was absolutely stunned and gobsmacked to get through. The high profile programmes like X Factor and Pop Idol look for someone younger and with mass appeal so I was pleased that this competition was prepared to give a jazz singer like me a chance."

More than 10,000 people auditioned in the first stages of the competition and if Pam gets through the next stage on November 8 she has a chance to win a £20,000 record deal.
"I have never previously been competitive but with an opportunity like this it would be foolish to pass it up," she said. "I really just want to go out there and enjoy it now."

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