Caitlyn’s really hoping that you remember her

The Ross High School pupil, who lives in Tranent with mum Marina and dad Paul, was tied in tenth position with musician Ross Arthur after both contestants received exactly the same number of public votes – 1593 each.

As a result, the judges decided to put the top 11 performers – rather than the top ten – through to the glittering final at Edinburgh Playhouse on October 28.

Caitlyn said: “I was at my best friend’s house for lunch the day I found out. I was too nervous to go to the shop and get the Evening News – I was shaking – so my friend got it for me.

“When I opened it, I was gobsmacked. I still can’t believe it. I thought it was a dream.

“With the amount of people in the competition – and they’re all really good this year – I just didn’t think I stood a chance.”

But despite her modesty, Caitlyn impressed voters with her rendition of Adele’s Don’t You Remember. She has decided to stick with the same song when she performs to a packed audience at the final.

Caitlyn started singing around the age of three and is a member of Brunton Youth Theatre. A fan of boy band The Wanted, she joined Corstorphine-based Razzamataz Theatre School around 18 months ago, where she does singing, dancing and drama every Saturday.

Her dream is to be a singer when she leaves school, but if that does not work out, a music teacher would be her second choice.

Caitlyn, who is a third-year pupil, has already performed at the Playhouse after spending four months on the Edinburgh stage at the age of eight when she was selected to be part of the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

She said: “I don’t know if it will make a difference at the final [of Edinburgh’s Got Talent], because it was so long ago and I’ve not done anything as big since then.”

Caitlyn would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and secure her place in the final.

She said: “When I told my dad I had made the final, he was so happy. He couldn’t even speak, he just screamed when I told him. Then I got the biggest bear hug ever.

“I’m going to take my dad backstage with me because my mum will be a nervous wreck and if I take her back, she will probably end up crying.”

Caitlyn, who said she would be left speechless if she were crowned this year’s winner, added: “I’m not even thinking about winning – I’m just going for the experience.”

The 11 acts will perform live at the final, competing for a grand prize of £1000 and the chance to perform at the Radio Forth Awards.

[email protected]