Ashley’s in Edinburgh’s Got Talent to show she is a cut above

A CONTENDER for this year’s Edinburgh’s Got Talent prize will use the heartbreak of missing out in the competition last year as motivation to impress this time round.

Ashley Anderson, 23, spent hours perfecting a studio demo to make sure she made the final at the Playhouse later this month.

The Liberton student now hopes success in the competition can lead to greater things.

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She said: “I just missed out last year. It’s funny because it’s a talent show at first to get into the top 40, then it’s about convincing people to vote for you to make the final, and by the time that comes along it’s back to being a talent contest again to impress the judges.”

While she assesses how best to pursue her dream of singing full-time, Ashley is studying hairdressing at Stevenson College.

Once she graduates she hopes to become a mobile hairdresser, which would allow her to continue singing.

She added: “The last thing I want is to be stuck in a dead-end job, but I appreciate it is a hard business get into. It’s not going to happen overnight, there are so many people who want to get in. I just hope someone spots me as a result of this.”

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Not wanting to simply re-record a song in a similar style to the original artist, Ashley visited a city studio to create a unique track.

As a result, she entered a slow, atmospheric version of the Kings of Leon track Sex on Fire, and also produced back-ups of Duffy’s Warwick Avenue and Valerie by the Zutons.

“I think it’s important to try to be different, not just to copy the original,” the former Liberton High School pupil said.

“I went down to a studio and the sound engineer helped me record the songs. It’s a really different skill singing live and doing so on to a CD.

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“The studio mics pick up absolutely everything so it takes some getting used to.”

While she does have some performance experience, the Playhouse spectacle on October 28 will be the largest crowd she has sung to.

“I’ve had a few gigs at social clubs,” she said. “And I sang at my aunty and uncle’s wedding.

“It’s always nerve-wracking, it never gets any easier, but I just need to see it as a massive opportunity.

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“It was great to perform in front of people I knew and family, to let them see how serious I am about doing this.”

Thousands of votes have been registered for the event, which will have a panel of judges, including Evening News arts and entertainment editor Liam Rudden.

For more information visit talent.scotsman.com.

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