Ayr's Anna Sweeney is finalist in Open Mic UK

Nov 25 2011 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A TALENTED teenager is going from strength to strength after teaching herself to play the guitar.

Anna Sweeney picked up a guitar for the first time just two years ago, but she seems to have found her calling.

For the singer songwriter has reached the semi-final of a national competition.

And since she first appeared in the Ayrshire Post back in August, 17-year-old Anna has been booked nearly every weekend to perform all over the county.

She’s already gained herself such a reputation that she was invited to entertain the masses at the Ayr Christmas lights switch on this Sunday.

And she was named as a finalist in the Up and Coming Youngster category at this years WestSound Community Awards.

But on December 4, Anna will take her skills to the next level.

For she has precisely three minutes to impress the judges at the semi-finals of the Open Mic UK singing competition.

Anna, who lives in Ayr, explained: “They’re really strict about the time limit at this stage so it definitely ups the pressure.

“I think I’m going to do a cover for a minute and a half and blend it into one of the songs I wrote myself for the second half.

“But I’m not that nervous, I’m more excited.”

The Kyle Academy pupil beat off competition from thousands of other entrants to reach the regional finals and perform at the Buchanan Concert Hall in September.

And she was one of seven acts handpicked by judges to continue on to the next stage.

Anna said: “It was really exciting, there was a great atmosphere.

“I had a group of friends from school with me as well as my family and they’re all coming down to Manchester to support me in the semifinals.”

Anna will compete against another 20 acts in a bid to reach the grand final in the O2 London.

But even if this is as far as Anna gets, she’s happy.

She added: “It’s been amazing to get this far and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I’m just going to do my best, have fun and see what happens.”