Victoria Brown, 19, of Thurnscoe, did not make the cut at an audition in March that was to decide which singers would perform in front of Simon Cowell and co on the TV talent show.

But she has earned a second crack at stardom after reaching the regional final of the UK Idol 2008 competition.

The aspiring pop star wowed the judges with her rendition of Westlife's 'Smile' at an audition in Leeds and was told to return to the city for the regional final.

She will now sing at the Leeds City Varities Music Hall on September 21 in front of a panel of judges and record industry bosses.Victoria, of Briton Street, said: "I was really happy that I got through, it feels amazing. I'm a bit nervous now but I'm at the same time looking forward to it."

Pop stardom is a far cry from her day job as a nursery nurse but Victoria is determined to follow her dream.

She added: "I really dream of being a singer. It's always been an ambition of mine, my mum has got tapes of me singing from when I was a little girl.

"I'm either going to sing Norah Jones' 'Dont Know Why' or 'The First Cut is the Deepest' by Cheryl Crow. I just hope I can get through."

If she impresses then Victoria will be selected for the national final in Portsmouth later this year where she will perform in front of a panel of judges that includes former Atomic Kitten signer Liz McLarnon and singer Jane MacDonald.

The winner of the Grand National Final will be awarded £25,000 and a potentially lucrative recording contract.