A passionate singer/songwriter with a 60s vibe is “ecstatic” after taking one step closer to fame.

Lucy-May O’Reilly from New Eltham is just two shows away from securing a life-changing performance at The O2 after sailing through the auditions of Live and Unsigned – the UK’s largest national music competition for original acts.

The 28-year-old was among 100 successful musicians out of the 500 hopefuls that battled it out at the Camden auditions in front of industry experts last month.

With around 40,000 acts entering across the country, former Brit School student Lucy-May will join 60 performers in her regional finals back at Dingwalls, Camden on April 1.

She said: “I was ecstatic.

“There were so many people there it was quite daunting but as soon as I got there I couldn’t wait to get up and sing.

“I really want to make music – I don’t know anything else.

“I’ve wanted to do this since I was walking and I’ve been singing since I was three-years-old.

“My uncle used to record me in his studio at home when I was little.”

Lucy-May impressed the judging panel of industry experts with her cover of Never Forget You by The Noisettes and plans to sing it again alongside her own song Runaway at the next round.

She added: “Runaway is an acoustic ballad about being in a relationship that doesn’t work out, you don’t know which way to turn and you just want to run away from the situation.

“Everyone can relate to it.”

Lucy-May, who is working towards an album, draws inspiration from her friends and family members’ lives as well as her own experiences.

“I always have a pen and paper next to my bed in case ideas crop into my head at night.” She continued.

“Sometimes I’ll be walking the dog down the road and I have to rush back to write them down.

“I don’t get compared to anyone but people say I have a 60s vibe, I really like Motown, Diana Ross and The Supremes and also Adele and Amy Winehouse.”

Getting the chance to perform at The O2 would mean “everything” to Lucy-May.

She said: “Seeing all my idols onstage there, and then being up there myself would just be amazing.

“I’ve got lots of things up my sleeve for the final.”

New to 2012, Live and Unsigned is also being filmed for a Sky TV fly-on-the-wall documentary.

If Lucy-May triumphs in the area finals, she will be performing at London’s biggest indoor festival in July, Live Fest at The O2, before celebrity judges including former Slade front man Noddy Holder and Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale.

Acts are competing for the main prizes which include £10,000 to be spent on development, a £10,000 publicity investment, gigs at festivals in Canada, Italy and Latvia, a UK tour of up to 100 shows and a UK festival tour including guaranteed slots at Norfolk Spectacular, Boardmasters, London Summer Jam and Lancaster Music Festival.

Lucy-May will next perform in her regional finals on Sunday April 1 at Dingwalls in Middle Yard, Camden Lock.

Tickets are £8.

For bookings visit www.liveandunsigned.uk.com