VERSATILE singer Rachel Lea is preparing for the song of her career.
The part-time receptionist from Cheltenham is putting her years of training to the test as she warms up her vocal cords ready to give a winning performance in the event being staged at Beechwood shopping centre.
Thanks to the new age increase on the Echo's Cheltenham's Top Talent competition, the 21-year-old can now perform and is so excited for the chance to get her voice recognised.
Rachel has recently graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guilford and has been singing since she was eight. "It is so weird, no one in my family is remotely musical, yet I love it and have such a passion for music of all genres," said Rachel.
"I am in loads of bands as I just love singing so do whatever I can to sing and perform for others," she added.
Rachel is hoping to perform a big power ballad for the contest.
She added: "I have my own style and I try to be different. I sing all genres of music from acoustic, to current, club and house.
"I don't mind what I sing I just love that I make people happy with my voice."
The competition is for all performers from singers and magicians to impressionists and poetry readers.
Along with the Echo, it is being backed with Beechwood Shopping Centre and Cheltenham Mayor Barbara Driver.
Auditions will be at Beechwood on November 26 with the final on December 18.
The competition will help to raise cash for Cheltenham YMCA, National Star College and the St Vincent's and St George's Association.
