A step closer to stardom for singer

The competition is searching for the UK's best singers, singers and songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material. Celebrity judges including singer Dane Bowers, Lee Latchford-Evans from Steps and Liz McClarnon from Atomic Kitten will eventually choose a winner to tour Britain and perform 100 gigs.
Former Dr Challoner's High School pupil Miss Rozwadowski, who performs under the stage name 'Lauren Ray', said she has been singing since she could talk, and began writing songs when she was a teenager.
Miss Rozwadowski, who describes her style as similar to Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy, said: "Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a singer. I've been singing professionally since I was 18 in pubs and restaurants including the Sugar Lace Inn in Little Chalfont, The Boot & Slipper in Amersham, in Chelsea Football Club's restaurant and in the Mahiki Club in London."
Days after finishing her degree in anthropology in Sussex University Miss Rozwadowski was chosen in one of the auditions in which she competed along with 10,000 hopefuls.
The singer, who self-taught herself the piano, will take to the stage in a live head to head battle in front of hundreds of audience members and 25 of her friends and family at the next stage in Guildford, Surrey, on November 8.
If she gets through, a national grand final awaits and a chance of fame if she wins.
She added: "Now I am trying to perform to get some practise in and to get a feel for what songs people like. With the recession affecting the music industry, venues are closing down in London and it's difficult to get low key jobs. I think to win would be a great opportunity to be able to perform my music all over the country."
To catch Lauren Ray performing, see her at Cafe Africa, in Chesham Road, Amersham
on September 18 between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.