A BRADFORD busker who has suffered a series of setbacks in his dream of stardom has reached the final of a major national talent contest.

Faheem Ashraf beat thousands of hopefuls to win a place in the the Open Mic UK Grand Final next week.

He started singing as a young child, on his mother's karaoke machine, and later made it through auditions on TV's The Voice and X Factor.

"I made it to the final 250 contestants on The Voice UK in 2013, but unfortunately I was stuck with laryngitis and lost my place in the competition before the television stages," said Faheem, 21, of Wibsey. "More recently I participated in X Factor, where I made it to 'bootcamp', but my auditions weren't broadcasted, with no reason provided, although I was featured on the adverts and montages.

"Making the final of Open Mic UK is a really big achievement; it's a national competition so I've had to sing against great talent from all over the UK. I'm expecting some fierce competition at the final.

"I've been singing since I was a young boy, starting out in my bedroom listening to my mum's karaoke cassettes. It wasn't until I was around 15 that I realised I had a talent, and with the help of my mum, took a leap of faith to show what I could do."

As well as taking part in TV contests, Faheem has been working with music producers in London, writing tracks for an album, performing at charity fundraisers and gigging around the region. He performed in Centenary Square as part of a youth services rally, has made online videos, and is a regular busker.

"Singing is my passion and I feel my dreams are finally starting to come true," he said. "I've had so many doors close in my face and have had to pick myself up and carry on fighting. Working towards a professional career in the music industry is far from easy, but all my hard work has got me a place in the Grand Final of Open Mic UK. Who knows what's to come next?"

The UK's biggest search for unsigned talent, the contest is open to singers and songwriters of all genres battling through regional heats to win a £5,000 cash prize to develop their act. The final is at the NEC in Birmingham on Saturday, January 24.

The competition is organised by Future Music, which has worked with artists such as former X Factor finalist Luke Friend, from Shipley.

Open Mic UK's Head of Future Music Chris Grayston said: “We're searching for an act that not only has the ability to impress a live audience, industry judges and A&R associates, but also has the potential to be a professional recording artist. The Open Mic UK Grand Final is the best place to showcase your talent in front of a massive crowd and celebrity judges."

To vote for Faheem, text OPEN45 to 86222