Canterbury Academy pupil Cooper Stout, from Bethersden, in CBBC's Got What It Takes? vote
12:55, 20 November 2018
updated: 13:21, 20 November 2018
There are just a few hours left to vote for a Kent teenager who is appearing in TV musical bootcamp Got What It Takes?
Cooper Stout says his ambition is to “sell out stadiums” and the 14-year-old, who lives in Bethersden, is poised on the brink of a big music industry break.
If he wins the CBBC show that’s fronted by YouTube influencer Anna Maynard, the teenager will get to perform at Radio 1's Big Weekend in front of a 20,000-strong crowd.
There is also the chance to sing in collaboration with a big star and Cooper says that George Ezra would be his ideal match.
Cooper attends Canterbury Academy where he is enrolled on the school's industry-standard performing arts course, combined with academic study.
The CBBC show, where youngsters take up challenges while staying at a musical mansion, has featured mentors Olly Murs, John Newman, Max and Harvey, Sophia Grace and Bars & Melody.
Contestants’ mums get involved with the judging and in Cooper’s case his aunty Michelle Prior, 44, of Little Burton, Kennington, has stepped into the role as his mum was unable to make it.
Cooper has been involved in singing and acting since the age of seven, when he also learned to play the guitar. He's taken part in Ashford's Create music festival and Festival in the Park and performed at Hythe bandstand as well as open mic events across the county.
He also attends Showbiz Academy performing arts school, based at Ashford School on a Saturday, and recently returned his primary school Furley Park for a mini-gig.
The teenager, who writes his own songs, said: “Being on Got What It Takes? is such a great experience.
“I’ve been given some really good feedback from people in the music industry and all the other contestants on the show are great to work with.
“It’s my ambition to sell out stadiums so I’m really pleased to be given the chance to work with top mentors like Olly Murs.”
A public vote is open for just one of three places in the finals and Cooper sang Tom Walker's Leave a Light On for his last performance ahead of the judging.
Voting closes at 6pm tonight and to vote visit the Got What it Takes? page.
