This Brentford diva is only a few steps away from becoming a music superstar as she launches a bid to be crowned UK's Idol 2008.
Alicia Wilkins, 23, a life-long resident of Glenhurst Road, has made it through to the regional finals of one of the UK's biggest talent competitions.
Idol 2008 offers singers and dancers the opportunity to win up to £25,000 in prizes and a recording contract with Future Music.
Alicia, who recently graduated with a degree in Creative and Performing Arts from Liverpool University, is now hoping the competition will be her big break.
"I feel honoured to have made it this far, especially as I will be representing Brentford where I have lived all my life," said the former Hounslow Manor School pupil.
"It has been very hard for me to get into the arts industry since graduating last year. This competition will allow me to showcase my singing talents and hopefully be the start of a career here in London."
Alicia, who works in The Body Shop in Chiswick, will be competing against 15 other talented hopefuls at the regional final show, held on October 1 in Croydon.
She says her musical heroes include Amy Winehouse, Gladys Knight and Lauren Hill.
"They all sing from the heart and have beautiful voices," she said. "I hope one day to work with musicians to help bring my poems and song writing to life."
If Alicia continues through to the final she could be crowned the UK's 2008 Idol in front of a capacity crowd at the national final in November.
