Smiley faced singer/songwriter just one performance away from gig of a lifetime at The O2 (From News Shopper)

Smiley faced singer/songwriter just one performance away from gig of a lifetime at The O2

10:27am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Freetime latest news By Nikki Jarvis

A talented singer/songwriter is just one performance away from a life-changing gig at The O2.

Wayne Jacobs from Erith has sailed through to the regional finals of national competition Open Mic UK with his original song Smiley Face.

Inspired by a beautiful Caribbean girl on the beach in Montego Bay, Wayne’s tune wowed the judges enough to win him a place in the live finals.

The 50-year-old civil servant is enjoying great musical success, having only just won a major country radio contest to find listeners’ favourite song.

He told News Shopper: “Smiley Face is one of the best songs I’ve ever written – it sounds really nice on the ukulele.

“I think my reggae style may get me to the finals, it would be so brilliant.”

The passionate musician has also just auditioned to appear on BBC One’s The Voice.

Open Mic UK searches for the UK’s best singers, songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

If successful in getting through the regional finals next month, Wayne will perform at The O2 in North Greenwich later this year.

Chris Grayston, Events Coordinator for Open Mic UK, said: “We are looking to find an act that has something unique to offer, with both the ability to deliver a strong live performance but also potential to become a professional recording artist.

“There is so much talent out there I’m sure we can find that star again.”

The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from BBC Introducing, national radio and regional press with judges being more prestigious in the later rounds.

Follow Wayne on Twitter @waynejacobs777