Burnley singer (14) dreaming of “Star Maker” final

A GIFTED young singer from Burnley is reaching for the stars in an X Factor-style show tomorrow.

Rhiain Thornton (14) is hoping for a place in the grand final of Star Maker which follows the same format as Simon Cowell’s hit ITV show.

The starlet, who has been performing since the age of six, beat off competition from hundreds of budding Alexandra Burkes and Matt Cardles to get through the auditions.

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The Blessed Trinity pupil wowed judges to make it through to the bootcamp and live shows which have been held at Nelson’s ACE Centre.

Rhiain, who sings at the Basics Theatre Group, sung stunning hits from Adele, Maroon 5 and Duffy which saw her progress through the elimination phases.

But now the youngster, who lives in Amersham Grove, is preparing to take the semi-finals by storm with “I dreamed a dream” – the song that won Susan Boyle global recognition.

The winner will get £1,000 in cash, the chance to record an album and two festival appearances – including a slot at the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne this summer.

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Her dad Wayne is hoping scores of Burnley people will turn out at the ACE Centre tomorrow night to cheer Rhiain on to the big final.

He said: “It is a big night for Rhiain. She is the only singer left from Burnley. She is really hoping to get to the final.

“The standard has been really high in the competition. Rhiain has done really well. She has a real passion for singing.

“What would mean most to her is to win and get the chance to sing at the Blues Festival. There will be people from all over the world there.”

You can see Rhiain in action in the semi final of Star Maker at the ACE Centre in Nelson from 7 pm tomorrow night.

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