MUSIC industry talent scouts will be in Liverpool on Sunday searching for the next Leona Lewis.

Record company Future Music is holding auditions at the Liner Hotel, in the city centre, as part of the nationwide Open Mic project.

The overall winner will be given a recording contract and also get to release a single.

The judges will be looking for a range of genres and will make their decision based on vocal/musical talent, stage performance, star quality and individuality.

Chris Grayston, Future Music’s head of A&R, said: “We are searching for an original act that has the live ability to impress an audience of over 2,000 alongside a number of industry judges and A&R associates, as well as the potential to become professional recording artists.”

The competition is divided into the following age categories: under-16, 16-23 and 23-plus.

Successful competitors will be invited to perform in a regional final, in front of a live audience and a judging panel in a bid to secure a place in the national grand final.

The winner will work with a top vocal specialist and record their album in professional studios, with the aim of breaking into the UK charts.

They will also be given the opportunity to undertake a tour of venues across the country.

The latter stages of the competition also give artists the opportunity to impress guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry.

For more details and to register for a place in the auditions visit www.openmicuk.co.uk