X-Factor fans who have been voting in their droves for the likes of Wagner and Cher are being encouraged to invest their money in a local musician’s bid for stardom instead.
Welshpool's Dai Robs (right) narrowly missed out last Saturday night on reaching the final of the Open Mic UK to be held at the O2 Arena, and his fate now lies in the hands of the public through an X-factor-style text vote.
The phone lines are now open and should he receive more votes than his rivals, he will have a shot at the title and a recording deal that could launch his career.
News quickly spread of him just missing out automatically with friends and fans posting details on their Facebook accounts on how to vote for the singer/songwriter who successfully released his first solo album last month.
And it has gathered momentum with the town’s pubs and businesses urging their customers to ‘vote Dai!’
Lee Bocking, from the Raven Inn, said: “When we took the Raven over three years back, the music scene in Welshpool was poor but the person for me that really stood out was Dai Robs. I can't get across to people enough how very, very good he is and he deserves all of our support now and in the future. Instead of wasting money voting for Wagner (left) or the other X-Factor lot, support a local musician like Dai Robs!”
The singer was first up on the night and performed one of his original songs along with an acoustic version of Michael Jackson's Dirty Diana, which was described by the evening’s presenter as the best he had heard from the live shows. Only four of the 21 regional finalists went through automatically but one more will proceed on the text vote.
Dai, who reached the regional finals in London after qualifying through the Welsh auditions in Cardiff, said: “I really appreciate the overwhelming support of the people from the Welshpool area and if you find yourself without milk for your cornflakes or short of money for a pint when I’m out in town then feel free to ask and I’ll give you your quid back!”
To give Dai the chance of playing at the O2 Arena and a shot at a recording deal, text ‘wildcard61’ to 84222. Each text costs £1. You can vote more than once.
Open Mic UK is the biggest music competition in the UK for singers and solo artists with over 8,000 acts from across the country entered. Over £50,000 in prizes are up for grabs along the way with the winner offered a recording contract and up to £30,000 investment.