A fledgling songstress hopes to soar to the big time after being taken under the wing of Collabro star Matt Pagan.

Courtney O’Neil, 19, took the top prize at a tough Carlisle talent competition in which fellow city singer Matt was one of the judges.

And she impressed him so much that he’s already had her signed up for his management agency – a move she hopes will give her a break similar to that which propelled the Britain’s Got Talent winner to international success.

Courtney was the winner of The Big Audition at The Venue in Carlisle.

It was organised by city radio station CFM to raise money for its Cash for Kids charity, which helps children across Cumbria. Competitors had to raise money for the cause as well as performing.

She enjoyed a standing ovation when she took to the stage at the competition, whose judges were Matt, Stobart Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler and CFM presenter Pete Moss.

Her prize included £1,000 from Stobart Group, as well as a place on the bill at the Christmas Live concert, to be held at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on December 16. A line-up of top stars is expected. 

Courtney said: “I am so overwhelmed to have won – it’s a dream come true.

“I’ve been working at this for years and now I’m going to be performing at the Metro Arena. Raising money for Cash For Kids was by far the most fun part, and of course the most important.

“I’m so excited to have been signed by Summit Music Management, Matt Pagan’s management. He knows the industry and already has some great opportunities lined up for me.”

Competition was tough at the finals, with judges hearing some impressive vocals from the seven final contenders.

But Matt, who has toured worldwide with Collabro since being signed by music mogul Simon Cowell in 2014, was clearly impressed by Courtney.

He said: “She has been working tirelessly for years gigging around the pubs and clubs of Cumbria trying to make a name for herself and it’s finally paid off.

“When she stepped out on to the stage she didn’t hold back. She was confident, sounded incredible and just looked like a star.”

The competition was a huge winner for Cash for Kids.

Each of the finalists held various fundraisers to support the cause, with a £4,000 donation from Stobart Group on the night taking the final total raised to £22,700.

It is the first time that the event has been held in Cumbria and organisers say they were delighted to find “incredible talent” in the region.

Stephanie Fleck, charity manager at CFM’s Cash for Kids said: “The acts on the night put on an amazing show with the judges finding it difficult to critique such a diverse range of performances.

“Their performances on the night and their efforts will make a huge difference to the children of Cumbria and south west Scotland. I am so pleased for Courtney who has finally got her big break with Matt.”

News & Star readers have been strong supporters of Cash for Kids through our annual Christmas Toy Appeal, run in support of the charity, raising many thousands of pounds over recent years.