Aw bless: Alexandra gives mum's talent venture her blessing Pic: Rex Features
Melissa Bell, mother of X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, is taking a talent contest on the road in a bid to find a new star.
The proud mum has dismissed claims that she and Alex are at war and has insisted her daughter is giving her latest venture her full support.
She told stv.tv: “reports in the press about me and Alexandra being at war are absolute rubbish.”
Speaking of Alex’s views on her launching a talent contest in a similar vein to The X Factor, she said: “Alexandra has given Roc Da Mic her blessing.”
Roc Da Mic auditions will take place in the Hilton Glasgow on April 11 and Hilton Aberdeen on April 18, as well as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Cardiff over the next few weeks.
Melissa, former lead singer of Soul ll Soul, explained that the auditions will be different from other talent shows as every entrant will be given vocal coaching prior to auditioning before a panel of industry experts.
There is an entry fee of £20 for solo hopefuls and £25 for groups, but much of this will go to charities close to Melissa and Alexandra’s hearts, including the British Kidney Foundation, the Marie Curie Cancer Charity and also the Haiti appeal.
Melissa explained: “the shows are a great way to uncover new talent and give people who may not have another opportunity, the chance to get their voice heard, whilst also raising money for charity.”
The final of Roc Da Mic will take place in London in August and the lucky winner will receive £10,000 (donated by an anonymous businessman) and a recording contract with RDA records.
Melissa is hopeful that Alexandra will take time out from working on her second album to join her at the final. Other celebrities she is hoping will attend include Gavin and Stacey star, James Corden, soul-diva Beverly Knight and (get ready to scream girls) JLS.
For more information on the talent competition, visit www.rocdamic.co.uk.
