A teenager who started singing karaoke as a child is now seeing her music dreams become reality after travelling to Nashville to record her own songs.
Billie-May Wood, from Abertridwr, has spent the summer in the world-famous home of country music after impressing producers following a talent competition victory in the United States.
The opportunity is the latest chapter in a remarkable journey that began with a microphone, karaoke tracks and a love of performing.
Last year, Billie-May won a teen talent competition at a Talent Inc showcase in Florida, catching the attention of industry professionals and opening doors to opportunities in America.
Now that ambition has become a reality.
The family travelled to Nashville on August 10, where Billie-May entered the recording studio to record four songs that she wrote herself.
Her father, Dean Wood, said: "Billie-May is the one recording the music out in Nashville.
"We went out to Florida last summer for a Talent Inc showcase. Billie-May ended up winning the teen talent contest out there.
"That has given her this opportunity to record in Nashville."
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Rather than recording covers, the teenager has been working on original material, with all four tracks set to be released through streaming platforms by the Nashville-based producers.
The first single is due to be released on September 30, with further songs scheduled for December 30, March 30, 2027 and June 30, 2027.
The recording sessions are another milestone in a journey that has already taken Billie-May across the UK and beyond.
She has performed at events including the In It Together Festival in Margam, where she sang three songs in front of festival-goers.
She has also competed in Ireland, where she won a Best International Vocalist title after reaching the final of a Welsh talent competition.
Despite those achievements, Dean believes many of the biggest opportunities have come overseas.
"Billie-May has found chances limited in the UK up to now," he said.
"She's seemed to have more joy going abroad. We're looking forward to seeing what this brings for her."
Whatever happens next, her family say she has already exceeded anything they could have imagined when she first started singing.
Dean said: "Whatever does happen going forward, she's already achieved much more than we could ever have imagined, from when she first sang on karaoke."
Support from the local community has also played a key role.
"We are very lucky that she has a big support network in the Aber Valley and Caerphilly area," he added.
For now, friends, family and supporters will soon be able to hear the results of Billie-May's Nashville experience, as four original songs begin rolling out over the coming months.
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