WANNABE Pop Idol Marie Lao has won an audition for the show - and is grateful for help from the careers service.

The 17-year-old from Pill was recalled twice at auditions for Girls Aloud last year. But in the end the show's producers told her she needed more experience and advised her to apply for the next Pop Idol, as she could find success as a solo act.

The former St Joseph's comprehensive pupil then approached Newport careers service for help in becoming a star.

Sarah-Jane Bailey, of Newport's Gateway project, arranged for her to get advice, training and performing experience.

Now Marie has a Pop Idol audition on Monday in London's Docklands. In the last year Gateway has helped dozens of young people, including a budding magician and a poet whose work was displayed on Newport's buses.

Ms Bailey said: "Marie is a really talented young woman and we were happy to be able to help her. We've been able to get her some experience and over the summer we're hoping to raise her profile by getting her spots at the Cardiff Festival and other events."

Marie said: "When I was called back twice last year I was really excited but I didn't mind not getting through. I honestly don't think I was ready. They said I should be a solo and get more experience so that's what I've been doing by entering lots of competitions. The careers service have been really good giving me lots of advice and practical help. Now I feel a lot more confident and I'm comfortable singing in front of an audience."

More than anything Marie loves to sing ballads and says Celine Dion and Mariah Carey are her favourite artists.

Marie is also an accomplished dancer and travels to Birmingham every week for lessons with one of the best freestyle dancers in the country.

Marie said: "I actually only started dancing three years ago when my younger sister Nicole won a competition. I really love all kinds of performance. "Whatever happens with Pop Idol I'd really like to do West End musicals."