Sonia hopes she has that bitXtra in latest song challenge

Former Telford School and North Leamington School pupil Sonia Gill was complimented on her vocal talents when she performed in front of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and their fellow judges at the LG Arena in Birmingham recently.

Only a small proportion of entrants get to sing in front of the celebrity panel, and the 24-year-old had to get through three auditions to make it to that stage.

Sonia said: “The feedback was OK – Louis said I had a good voice but I was not ready yet.

“Cheryl said my voice was sweet and Simon pretty much repeated what they had said.

“To me that is constructive – I came off very happy and feeling positive.

“Everyone is different, but you have to be tough in this industry and you can’t let things break you down.

“I’m very passionate about what I do and I want to get back up again.

“I’m glad I did it; people were always saying I should go for it.”

Building on her X Factor experience, Sonia sang in the regional final of Open Mic UK at the Spa Centre in Leamington last month.

She impressed the judges with her rendition of Etta James’s At Last and will now compete in the area final in Bedford in November.

The final stage of Open Mic takes place at the O2 Arena in London, with hopefuls performing for the chance of winning a recording contract and the opportunity to tour the UK.

Sonia said: “There is a big prize up for grabs and, at the end of the day, it is all good experience.

“There is a good atmosphere, both on and off the stage, and I’m really excited about it.

“Everyone was really good and I was surprised to get through.

“But I’m now one step closer to the national final.”

Sonia started taking singing lessons at the age of 14, but said she had always liked to sing around the house.

She has sung at the Leamington Christmas lights switch-on and is currently working on some original material with music producers.

Having recently completed a law degree course at Birmingham City University, achieving a 2:1 grade, Sonia has something to fall back on if her dream does not come true.

She said: “The music industry is tough to break into, so it is a good choice to have a back-up plan.

“This is just my chance to pursue my dream, but my legal studies are about being sensible.

“I would tell anyone to always have another option, but don’t let it hold you back.”