A YOUNG musician from Widnes has signed her first record deal.

Singer and pianist Lucy McDiarmid is releasing her own cover version of Chris Isaac’s Wicked Game in April.

The 17-year-old won Halton’s Got Talent in 2016 after impressing judges with her outstanding performance of Yours by Ella Henderson.

The former Wade Deacon pupil is now studying music performance and production at Cronton Sixth Form College.

Professional dance music producer Ian Bland, who owns Blandy Studios in the Ribble Valley, provided work experience to develop her music software skills and was so impressed by her voice, he immediately signed her on his own record label As If Records.

Ian has performed all over the world as the lead singer in Dream Frequency and has re-mixed Prince and Queen tracks.

Lucy’s dad, Kevin, 48, of Darley Close, Hough Green, said: “Ian has 30 years’ experience in the music industry and was blown away when he heard Lucy sing.

“He said her voice is unique, there is nothing out there like it at the moment. He was amazed.”

Lucy’s parents Kevin and Helen, 41, a lawyer for a media company, were surprised to discover she had a natural ability to play the piano when she was only five.

“She taught herself to play Eastenders,” said Kevin, a project manager in banking.

“I set her a challenge to play Sweet Harmony by Liquid Gold, thinking it would take her six weeks. She did it in six hours! I bought her a full size keyboard and she started lessons.

After passing piano exams with distinction, Lucy also gained singing qualifications.

“The first time I heard her sing at a school concert I actually cried, I was so overcome with emotion,” said Kevin.

“She wouldn’t let us hear her at home.”

Coming first in the borough’s talent show led to countless concerts and The Brindley has invited her to stage ‘An Audience With’ show at The Studio on April 13.

Halton’s Got Talent finalist Amy Jones will also perform. There are only 30 tickets left.

The programme includes Hello and Turning Tables by Adele, Stay by Rihanna plus a mixture of ballads, rock and pop.

“Academically, Lucy has had to work really hard to get onto her music course and now she is flourishing,” added Kevin.

“Her long term goal is to get her own studio. She wants to help others realise their own dream like she did with vocal training and piano coaching.”

Tickets for her concert are available from the box office on 0151 906 8360 and thebrindley.org.uk.