A TYNE Valley vocal coach is gearing up to begin auditions for the biggest online singing competition for young talent, TeenStar.

Julie Miles, founder of Mickley-based Vocal Ovation, will join a host of industry professionals on the judging panel as the talent show moves to an all-digital platform for the first time.

Alongside BAFTA award-winning host Carrie Grant, Julie will participate in eight audition shows aired via TeenStar’s YouTube channel which has almost 16,000 subscribers, judging around 25 singers per show. The judging panel will then progress the successful singers into the live stages starting in August.

Julie said: “It’s fantastic to see TeenStar move with the digital age, and during this uncertain time, we’ve needed to utilise social media more than ever.”

“This year marks the seventh time I’ve been on the judging panel for the competition, and it’s a brilliant opportunity for acts to perform live in front of entertainment industry experts, including three major record labels, Sony Music, Warner Music Group and Universal Music, and major casting companies.

“I’ll definitely be encouraging my students and any young talent to take part. There really is no better developmental platform than performing alongside other aspiring singers and getting such valuable industry feedback.”

Auditions will begin online from June 25 where applicants simply record and upload a video of their performance via the TeenStar website. Acts can choose to sing covers or showcase their own original music.

Julie, who this year celebrates the tenth anniversary of Vocal Ovation, has a raft of TV talent show finalists among her stable of performers, appearing on the likes of The Voice, Britain’s Got Talent and the X Factor. Julie has also reported a 25 per cent growth in the number of students during lockdown.

Chris Grayson, founder of TeenStar, said: “Julie has always played such a valuable role for us at TeenStar. She has a keen eye for talent and an incredible ability to coach promising singers into potential superstars.

"It is by no means a coincidence or luck that dozens of her students are achieving at such a level.

"Her willingness to provide an abundance of honest and constructive feedback throughout nearly a decade of our competitions has undoubtedly contributed to the success of hundreds more.

"We are so grateful to have her on our panel of head judges.”