SINGING starlet Zoe Birkett is releasing her first album - alongside the other finalists from the hit Pop Idol show.

Fans of the 16-year-old Darlington darling will be thrilled to hear her sing a long-awaited duet with chart topper Gareth Gates.

The Pop Idol Big Band album is released on Monday, April 8 and is predicted to go straight to number one.

Although all ten finalists from the top TV show sing on the album, Zoe is the only one to feature in three songs.

Not even show winner Will Young or teen favourite Gareth Gates match her.

Her versions of Judy Garland's Get Happy and Cole Porter's I've Got You Under My Skin are on the album, as is her duet with Gareth.

The couple have denied rumours of a romance during the ITV show, but their rendition of Oh Look At Me Now by Frank Sinatra and Connie Haines is set to fuel more gossip.

Zoe said: "Six months ago, it was my dream to make an album. I never thought that it would actually come true.

"To be singing some of the greatest, old-style tracks that I was brought up listening to makes this a doubly special occasion. I'm so proud of what we have all achieved."

The album is being released to coincide with the Pop Idol tour, which is coming to Newcastle Telewest Arena on Monday and Tuesday next week.