Regional finals for Rochdale singer

Lewis Brannigan

A talented singer/songwriter from Rochdale is preparing for a performance that could change his life.

Lewis Brannigan, 21, Norden has made it through to the live regional finals of Open Mic UK 2010.

Open Mic UK 2010 is a national talent competition which searches for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

Mr Brannigan caught the judge’s eye and was given a big thumbs up at the auditions held in Liverpool.

Thousands of hopefuls entered nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges.

But the former Crompton House pupil wowed the panel with his rendition of “Luck be a lady tonight” and he has now been given an opportunity to prove that he is the best on the mic in the region.

“I was ecstatic when I found out I’d got through,” he said, “I just absolutely went for it.

“I was pretty surprised I got through because it was such a high standard.”

Along with the other most impressive acts in the competition, Mr Brannigan has made it through to the regional finals and will now be performing at the live stages of Open Mic UK 2010.

Mr Brannigan now has until the 7 November to prepare of the show and is currently debating what to sing.

“I am pretty nervous – I have to make the right decision of what I am going to sing.”

This is not the first time the Norden lad has been involved in a competition of this nature having last year beaten off thousands of hopefuls making it to ITV’s X-Factor Boot Camp stages.

The keen singer also writes his own songs, titles include: “Start over again,” “Troubles,” and “Love is.”

Mr Brannigan is now competing for a place in the National Final at the O2 in London with the chance to grab a break through recording contract.

Speaking about the support he has received, Mr Brannigan said: “Everyone has been supportive as always.”

With musical influences including Michael Buble and James Morrison, Rochdale could have another star on the rise.