A former Norwich music student will be performing live today in front of top music executives, after getting through to the last eight in a music competition.

Singer/songwriter Kamilla Lovett, 19, spent two years at Access to Music in King Street, which also numbers Ed Sheeran among its past alumni.

In the past few years ex-students at the college have also included Ria Ritchie, Josh Weller and Louis La Roche. Two years ago Ed Sheeran won the Island Records 50th anniversary search for unsigned talent, after universities and colleges were asked to submit acts for Island to consider for signing a one-off deal. Norwich got two acts through to the final 16 and Ed went on to win.

This year Island Records decided to go through the same process again, and the college's Ian Johnson said: 'We did well again and we managed to get three acts through in the Midlands region. One of those acts, Kamilla Lovett, was selected for the final eight, and she will be performing in front of the Island Records staff today in London.

'She's an urban Kate Bush and is very grounded and level-headed. I am sure she is going to follow in the footsteps of our previous successes.'

He said the college's success was a testament to the talent that exists in the region. He added: 'Kamilla has also been awarded a development grant from Escalator Music and she's getting a large amount of interest from industry people who haven't even seen her yet. We are very proud of the talent that is on our doorstep and how we introduce them/advise them and protect them from the industry.'

Miss Lovett is also being trumpeted by Mark Thorpe, who deejays for Future Radio in Norwich.

He said: 'I often shake my head at the drab, soulless music that drops on my conveyor belt, but this girl is really talented.

'She is the best singer/songwriter in East Anglia.'

Miss Lovett, from Bunwell, near Wymondham, said yesterday that Island Records had sworn to her secrecy before the big event.

But she did say: 'I don't really know what's going to happen in London at the showcase, but I'm going for the experience.'

Has your school or college produced someone who is now making the big time? Call David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk