A BOURNEMOUTH schoolgirl raised by a single mum with as little as £1.25 help a week is one step away from performing in front of thousands at the O2 Arena in London.

Iolla Grace, 13, has reached the final stage of the UK’s original music competition Live and Unsigned following a series of successful auditions.

Iolla, whose dad walked out when she was six, is determined not to let money worries hold her back from becoming a singer – just like her idol Katherine Jenkins made her promise.

Proud mum Carrie Grace, 46, told the Daily Echo: “Iolla and Katherine met when they were both singing at a Sunseeker event.

“They had a chat and Iolla has a letter from Katherine saying ‘Never give up on your dreams. You must keep fighting.’”

Iolla, who has a scholarship at Talbot Heath School, has a passion for classical crossover music and sings for local charity events to help others.

She is due to perform at the live Regional Final showcase at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday May 26, in front of a judging panel of individuals from the industry.

If she is successful, Iolla will go on to the next stage in the competition by performing with 24 other acts, selected from 10,000 entrants, at the O2 in July.

The winner will be crowned the UK’s best unsigned act and receive prizes including £10,000 for professional development, £10,000 publicity investment and opportunities to tour and perform at festivals and gigs.

Iolla, who lives in Kinson, said: “I knew I wanted to perform and have a career in classical music and operas since I was 10, having sung since I was six.

“It is my dream to sing at the coliseum and the Opera house in London’s Covent Garden, so I am working hard towards this next important step in the competition.” Iolla has shared the stage with Rohnan Park, the 13-year-old from Britain’s Got Talent, and performed in front of Peter Andre and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Karrie added: “Iolla’s dad has had nothing to do with her, it’s quite sad really.

“He’s got no idea of her talents. It’s just one of those tragic stories.

“It’s been really, really tough but Iolla’s always known what she wants to do.”

Iolla’s ambition is to attend London’s Royal Academy of Music, in London, when she’s 17.

Next year she could start attending on Saturdays, but needs sponsorship.

Anyone who can help should call 07870185874.

Visit youtube.com/user/iollagrace to watch her sing.