By ALESHA CAPONE
A TAYLORS Lakes teenager with a beautiful voice will compete in the Best of the West grand final.
The competition, held by the WestWaters Hotel and Entertainment Complex in Caroline Springs, will be on 21 September.
Chelsea Hawke, 13, said she was thrilled to be picked for the contest’s final round after auditioning last month.
The talented teen also won the Brimbank Stars competition at the Sunshine Festival earlier this year and played the role of Belle in her school musical ’Beauty and the Beast’ during 2012.
“I auditioned for the part of Belle and I was very lucky to get it,” Chelsea said.
“It was the first time I got a main part and I was so surprised that I cried.”
In addition to her Year 7 studies at Overnewton Anglican Community College, Chelsea takes dance classes at the Supersonics studio in Keilor.
“I want to be a singer when I’m older, that is what I aspire to,” she said.
“My dream is to be a pop-singer and be known for that.
“I’m very, very, very nervous before I go on and get a bit shaky but then when I get on stage I don’t want to get off.
“I really enjoy performing, it’s so much fun.
“It brings joy to people’s lives and it definitely brings joy to my life.
“I love to see people smiling at me when I sing.”
Chelsea said her favourite singers Taylor Swift, Pink and Justin Bieber inspired her.
The Best of the West grand final will be on at the WestWaters Hotel and Entertainment Complex, 10 – 20 Lake St, Caroline Springs at 10.45am on Saturday 21 September, with performances by ‘The Voice’ contestant Jerson Trinidad and special guest judge and mentor Phil Cebrano.