Pop starlet living her dream with solo shows

Fourteen-year-old Vanessa Tuzzio, of Wych Road, Droitwich, is finally living her dream of becoming a singer as she prepares to take to the stage this month for the first of a string of solo performances.

The Droitwich Spa High School pupil has been a fan of karaoke since she was about eight and has been involved with various performances with the school.

She got into singing on the local circuit after being invited up on stage to perform with friends of her family a few years ago.

Now parents Elaine and Andrew - who owns electric motor company Kidderminster Rewinds - bought her karaoke equipment for Christmas to allow her to follow her dream.

They have also successfully applied for a licence for her to perform and have helped arrange bookings for venues in Droitwich for her.

Now Vanessa is eagerly awaiting her first show at the Doverdale Arms in Stalls Farm Road, Droitwich, on Saturday, March 18, where she will sing hits from the likes of Whitesnake, Madonna, Dido and Nancy Sinatra.

She is then set to sing at the Royal British Legion in Salwarpe Road, Droitwich, on Saturday, April 15.

Mum Elaine said: "She's wanted to do this since she was knee-high to a grasshopper and is always singing at home so we're really excited for her.

"People seem to like her voice and she's really looking forward to it - she's a great example of what you can do if you put your mind to it."

Vanessa is no stranger to the limelight, having played the part of a mummy in Droitwich's Norbury Theatre's pantomime only last Christmas.

She was also in the venue's pantomime the previous year and is now auditioning for a schools' talent competition being held in Worcestershire this summer.

Along with her singing and acting, Vanessa has also made herself known in the judo field, becoming a national champion in her weight and category and gaining trophies in competitions since the age of six.