Rochdale singer heads to the O2 for final

Lewis Brannigan

A Rochdale singer is heading to the big smoke for the national finals of a prestigious music competition.

Lewis Brannigan, 22, is preparing for the final stage of a competition that could change his life.

In January, the Norden lad will take to the one of the biggest singing platforms in the country – the O2 arena – in his bid to stardom.

Mr Brannigan started on his journey through the Open Mic UK competition in September had has successfully wowed the judges in both the regional and area finals.

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.

There is just one step left for Mr Brannigan who is just a song away from winning a record contract.

Mr Brannigan is one of 20 people through to the final, he said: “It’s really exciting. I can’t wait. It could change my life.”

Speaking about the area finals which took place on Sunday (5 December 2010) Mr Brannigan said he had no idea he would get through.

“I could hear everyone at that sound check and I just didn’t have a clue who was going to get through. Everyone is an artist in their own right and I respect that.

“When you’re there you don’t have a clue because you don’t know what the judges are looking for.”

It seems the judges were looking for Mr Brannigan. He sang ‘For once in my life’ by Tony Bennet mixed with ‘All time low’ by The Wanted.

The final of the competition is on Sunday 15 January. “I’m still working out how I can up my game,” said Mr Brannigan, “I need to do something to stand out again.”

Mr Brannigan has just three minutes and thirty seconds to perform a song that will win over the judges for a final time.

He said: “Now I am within the last twenty people I can see myself on that stage at the O2 arena and I fancy my chances!”