Superb young singer Gabby Ofuya from Newburgh has won her place in the grand final of Southport’s Got Talent and the chance to win the £1,000 first prize

Sep 6 2012 by Andrew Brown, Ormskirk Advertiser

TEENAGE Rihanna look-alike Gabby Ofuya has won through to the grand final of Southport’s Got Talent.

The talented 13-year-old singer, from Newburgh, amazed the audience at a superb Heat 9 of the contest at The Victoria pub in Southport town centre last Wednesday with inspired renditions of She Said by Plan B and Sparks by Cover Drive.

The Burscough Priory Science College pupil will now join other heat winners in the grand final, which takes place in Southport on Friday, October 26, as they bid to win the £1,000 first prize.

Gabby is also a pupil of the prestigious CD School of Music in Rufford and has performed in musicals has been singing since the age of six.

Compere and co-organiser Neil Newton said: “Gabby sang two beautiful numbers and astounded us with a perfect and confident performance.”

Ahead of Gabby making her winning entry, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steven Hall took to the stage to tell contestants how performing in Southport’s Got Talent three years ago had given him the platform to go on to secure national acclaim – and more than 5m hits on You Tube.

Neil said: “There was a lovely, lovely atmosphere with many regulars saying it was the best night yet.

“The evening had a little bit of everything.”

Guest artist Cole Elmsley, aged 11, from Burscough, also wowed a packed audience ahead of enrolling at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.