A BRUNEL music student is hoping to make it through to the final of a national talent competition at the O2 – if she can impress judges at the Beck Theatre.

Uxbridge singer and songwriter Michelle De Jong, 18, is one of 50 acts performing at the Regional Final Showcase on Sunday, March 11, as part of the Live and Unsigned competition.

Michelle auditioned, along with 250 others, for a spot and must now perform a cover and an original song in only three-and-a-half minutes in order to persuade judges and audience members to vote for her.

“I saw it advertised on the internet – there were so many acts that auditioned, so I was really happy to get through,” said Michelle. “I’m not nervous about performing at the moment, but I will be the minute before I go on stage.”

Only two of the 50 acts will go through to perform again at the Beck Theatre in the London Area finals, for the chance to reach the grand final at London’s O2 Arena in July.

Cash prizes of up to £10,000 and the chance to perform at UK festivals, such as Beach Break Live, Boardmasters and Strawberry Fields, are up for grabs.

Originally from Reading, Michelle can play the guitar and piano.

“I started singing when I was 13 but I wrote my first song when I was 12,” Michelle said. “It was just in a jokey way, and I really thought it was just a bit of fun, but then everyone told me it was really good.”

She lists her main influences as The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and Lilly Allen.

Michelle describes her music as Eliza Doolittle meets Lilly Allen. “It’s quite catchy and punchy and my lyrics are quite fresh and funny.

“Whenever people hear a song of mine called The Money Song for the first time they laugh. It’s quite cheeky, so I think it’s a bit different.”

The young singer’s dream is to one day perform at the Brit Awards, but for the moment she is concentrating on her upcoming show at the Beck Theatre.

“I’m going to mix I Need A Dollar by Aloe Blacc with Money In My Pocket by Wiley and merge it into my own – The Money Song,” said Michelle.

To hear her songs, visit soundcloud.com/michelle-dj-1. To buy tickets for the Beck Theatre showcase, visit http://www.liveandunsigned.uk.com/tickets/purchase.