WATFORD youngster Charlotte Dennis has stars in her eyes, after proving she has the X factor to reach the semi-finals of the South Coast Idol talent competition.

Five years too young to audition for Simon Cowell, Charlotte, 11, is hoping to achieve her dream of becoming a singing sensation by winning the chance to record her own album.

Mum Nicola Cook entered her daughter into the under-17s category when she spotted an advert for the talent contest on the internet and on Saturday, Charlotte joined 400 other young hopefuls queuing for an audition in Camberley, Surrey.

Charlotte, of Chilcott Road, sang American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's song Breakaway for the six judges and impressed them despite a last minute bout of nerves.

She said: "When I first walked into the waiting room my legs were shaking I was so nervous. Then they called my number.

"I had to stand on an X and I had a bit of stage fright. But the judges told me not to be nervous and pretend they weren't there. They wrote notes and told me to wait in the bar area. Then a man came in and told me I was through."

Nicola, 31, said: "She's a fantastic singer. Perhaps I'm biased because she's my daughter but when everybody else heard her and said she was good it gives her encouragement."

Charlotte started singing when she was three and made her TV debut in November 2004 when she starred on BBC1's Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow.

She is in Year 7 at Kings Langley school. The South Coast Idol semi-final takes place on Friday, March 2.

If Charlotte progresses, the regional final is on April 6 and the Portsmouth Guildhall hosts the grand final on May 26.

Nicola said: "We're trying to find her a vocal coach to give her guidance.

"With enough support and a little bit of coaching and help I think she could progress."

Vocal coaches who can help Charlotte can telephone the Watford Observer on 01923 216298.

For more information or tickets to see South Coast Idol, visit www.southcoastidol.co.uk.