Lisa Radnedge, a former Paulton resident who lived locally for twenty years, has reached out to The Journal to share her story of becoming one of ten competitors in a nation-wide singing competiton, and wishes to share her advice with others in the area.

Lisa entered a competition with Mecca Bingo called ‘Mecca Star’. The judges were Daily Star writer, Susan Hill, actress, Claire King, singer, Gareth Gates and television personality, Charlotte Dawson.

Lisa entered the competition by sending videos of herself singing. The event took place at the London Hospital Club, where Lisa was one of ten competitors, who were to be voted down to a final four. The winner would recieve £2,500 prize money and the chance to sing on the X-Factor: Live tour.

The judges picked their four finalists, as well as a fifth ‘wild card’ entry. It is up to the public to vote now for the winner online, with Mecca producing webisodes of all the contests, including Lisa and others that did not go through, as filming covering the day itself.

Lisa said: “I am very fortunate to get that far, and it was a great experience. I worked on my vocals to prepare for the big day with the help of my singing coach/friend.”

“I’ve been singing since I was able to talk, according to my Mum, but I never went anywhere with it, as I did not have confidence in myself. Before the Mecca Star competition, I entered Britain’s Got Talent, which was being held in Clevedon for auditions. If I am through, they will contact me in February. I went with my friend for support, and it was my first public appearance – I was feeling nervous, but I knew that it was the right time for me to go for my dreams and let people hear me.”

“I never expected to get through [to the Mecca Star heats] – I was grateful that I got that far. Obviously, I was emotional on the day, as anyone would be when you have such a passion for singing. I want to hopefully reach out to others, as I am a thirty-year-old mother of two young girls, aged six and eight.

“I didn’t have the confidence in myself in my twenties and that’s what held me back. It was only in the last year and half that I searched for a singing teacher to help me with my stage fright.

“Whether my time was in my younger days or now, I want to encourage others to follow their dreams – work on the things you feel you need help on. My time is now and I am not sure where it could possibly go from here, but hopefully I have Paulton and the surrounding areas’ support, as I build my confidence up more.

“Hopefully, later on, I could help someone else and give them the best support and encouragement that I received from the good-hearted people around me.”

Lisa was born in Bath before moving to Paulton aged two. She currently lives with her husband and daughters in Clevedon, but visits her family in the area regularly.