STROUD favourite Hattie Briggs has been announced as one of eight semi-finalists in the Fender Undiscovered Artist of the Year 2017 competition and her town now have a chance to get behind her and sweep her to victory.

Hattie entered this competition as one of over 650 hopefuls several months ago. Two semi finals were held in front of three judges, Kevin Jones, Neil Whicher and Georgie Rogers, and Hattie performed as the very last artist in the second one.

She played a song recently commissioned by a fan called "Early Girl". The song is about a premature baby and her struggle to get through those first hours.

Hattie was put straight through to the final as one of the two judge's picks, along with Sherika Sherard, and Martha Phillips who won the public vote for the third slot a few days later.

Judge Kevin Jones (founder of Communion Records and from the band, Bear's Den) said: "I think your voice is so naturally effortlessly beautiful, I just thought it was stunning and a pleasure to listen to."

Neil Whicher (head of Fender Artist Relations) added: "Your voice is stunning and your finger picking style was delicate".

He also commented on the skill of her unusual chord sequences.

Georgie Rogers (Radio Presenter and Journalist) said: "Beautiful lyrics and effortless performance, it grabbed my attention".

Both semi finals were videoed and can be seen on the Fender YouTube channel.

Radio 1's Huw Stephens has presented the semi finals and will be on duty again at the final, which will take place tomorrow, Thursday, October 26 and will be livestreamed via Fender's Facebook page from 8pm.

The judges will be there and will give their comments, and the public will help decide the winner as they have 50 percent of the vote.

  • Voting is via the Fender website fender.com/undiscovered.