Singer/song-writer Rachel Rabin is a step closer to landing a recording contract after making it through to the regional finals of a national talent competition.

Miss Rabin, 26, will now compete for a place in the grand final of Live and Unsigned, the biggest search for original, unsigned music acts in the UK.

The winner will be offered a recording and management contract with an investment of up to £20,000 to release their single with Future Music.

Miss Rabin tells People: “This is a big opportunity for me to be spotted. It’s massive exposure to agents, management and record label A&R managers.”

A former catering manager, Miss Rabin has spent the past year working as an Amy Winehouse tribute act after being spotted on Facebook. She has supported major chart acts, including Scouting for Girls and the Wombats. “If I got signed and was busy enough, then I would stop doing the Amy Winehouse stuff,” she says. The regional final takes place on March 21 and will be televised later this year. “Winning relies not only on the judges’ opinions but also on audience votes, so I need as many fans in the audience as possible.”

Miss Rabin lives in Kingston in Surrey.