A ROMSEY teenager is pushing ahead with his bid to become a pop star despite suffering a setback in his bid for fame.
Joe Mongan auditioned for ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent  in Portsmouth last month but didn’t make it  through to the next round.
However, this hasn’t put the budding singer-song writer off because he’s doing well in another talent competition called Brand New Artist and he’s asking people to vote for him.
The 18-year-old who recently won Forest’s Got Talent said: “There are 100 artists in the competition and I am currently in seventh place and I am hoping to go further. The voting continues through until December when the final 20 will be announced, then the winner a week later.”
Joe who plays guitar and sings added: “I am hoping to win the competition as I would then have a one year recording contract and £5,000 towards recording and equipment. Brand New Artist would be a great start to my career but I wouldn’t give up if I don’t win as music is my passion.”
He plays gigs at the Railway Inn in Winchester and is now planning to send demos of his music to record companies in a bid to get a contract.
“Music is what I am determined to get into and I will never stop trying,” concluded Joe, who has already made an EP called the Yellow Brick Road.
To vote for Joe in the Brand New Artist competition call 09059639899 followed by extension 21. You can also text brand 21 to 64343.