TEENAGER Ashlea Pearson sang before millions of television viewers when she took part in the live finals of the Stars In Their Eyes Kids show on Saturday.

Although her performance as Gloria Estefan did not win the public vote, her appearance has won the 13-year-old from Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, fans across the UK.

Her mother, Christine, said: "We have had hundreds of calls from people saying how great she was.

"Straight after the show, as she got out of the car, there was a woman waiting outside the hotel to get her autograph.

"It was a bit frustrating because we have had dozens of calls from family and friends across the country who tried to vote for Ashlea, but said they either couldn't get through or their text messages were returned.

"But we are totally proud of her. It has been hectic but she is taking it all in her stride."

An ITV spokeswoman said some callers had not been able to get through because the number of people trying to vote was one of the highest ever.

Ashlea was selected from 10,000 youngsters to take part in the show.

And when North-East Euro MP Stephen Hughes visited her school last week, he requested her autograph for his six-year-old daughter.

She said: "I didn't win, but I was still pleased with how many votes I got. Singing is something I would like to pursue as a career."

The teenager has been singing since she was five and having lessons since she was eight.

North-East fans will have a chance to see her in November, when she will perform in a concert for Children in Need, in Pelaw Social Club.

She has a more personal engagement planned for next month - singing at her mother's 40th birthday party.

* Paul Cowperthwaite, from Liverpool, won the contest with his performance as Michael Jackson.

Published: 17/05/2004