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Mini Lulu has wow factor

by Rhiannon McDowall
27/ 8/2008

MACCLESFIELD’S Alice Barlow has something to shout about this week after wowing judges and winning a prestigious singing contest, The Stobart Factor.

And not only does Alice, 17, return home with a cheque for £10,000 and a recording session booked in London, but an incredible compliment from guest judge Louis Walsh who compared the pint-sized Maxonian to a mini Lulu.

Alice, of Andertons Lane, Henbury, said: "I can’t believe that I won. Louis’ comments were definitely my best prize, getting such a good comment from Louis Walsh was really nice to hear, he really complimented my voice."

Alice wowed judges, including Louis Walsh and Shane Lynch, at the grand final which took place this weekend at Carlisle Live, performing in front of 15,000 people.

She said: "It was so exciting to be up there – it was just like X Factor."

Alice belted out Alicia Keys’ If I Aint Got You to win the highest score from the judges, when three out of four rated her as a ‘ten’.

She said: "It was a really up-tempo song and everyone was singing along and jumping – it was a real buzz."

Alice is now preparing to be whisked down to London to record one of her original songs later this year, which will eventually be released as a single.

She said: "I am so excited, this is by far the biggest competition I have won and I can’t wait to see what happens from here. I don’t know which song I am going to record but probably an original one, it will be great."

Alice, who will start her second year of A Levels at Fallibroome High School in September, has pledged to use her winnings to repay her parents for all the support they have given, and help fund her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music next year.

She said: "I’m going to pay my dad back for the music equipment he has bought me, and buy a car to give my mum a break – she is always driving me round everywhere so hopefully when I pass my test she won’t have to anymore."

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