THE quest to find the next singing sensation began last night with the first heat of Junior Search For a Star 2011.

Seven talented girls took to the stage at the Fry Club, Keynsham, and sang their hearts out.

After a high-standard heat, the judging panel of music teacher Dave Miles, Cadbury manager Sarah Cox and former Search For a Star winner Lacie Hall were so impressed they were all put through to the final.

The youngest contestant was Guinevere Sanders.

The six-year-old from Knowle showed maturity beyond her years as she performed Castle on a Cloud, from Les Miserables, and Take a Bow by Rihanna.

Afterwards, she said: "It's really good to be in the final. I wasn't nervous but I was a bit scared when they gave me a round of applause because it was so loud."

She was pleased Abigail Humphries, who she already knew, also made it through with her renditions of The Name of The Game by Abba and I Dreamed a Dream.

"I love the rush you get before you go on stage," said the 13-year-old from Wotton-under-Edge who goes to the JASPA school of performing arts in Longwell Green.

Hollie Buxton performed First Cut is the Deepest and Count on Me by Bruno Mars. She combined skilful guitar playing with her vocals.

The 13-year-old from Whitchurch said: "I just find performing really fun. I love playing my guitar and singing too."

Amy Horseman was hoping it would be second time lucky, after entering the competition last year.

And the 13-year-old from Cadbury Heath's wish came true when she impressed with Pack Up by Eliza Doolittle and Over the Rainbow.

She said: "I feel really happy to get through – extra happy after not getting through last year."

Katie Williams got through with her performances of the aria O Mio Babbino Caro and Memory, from the musical Cats.

The 11-year-old, who goes to Oasis Academy John Williams and is a fan of Charlotte Church, said: "I just love singing in front of people. I'm really excited about the final.

"I was a little bit nervous tonight but not too bad."

Emily Baker got the crowd going with Pack Up by Eliza Doolittle and the Elton John classic also released by Ellie Goulding, Your Song.

The 11-year-old from Bradley Stoke said: "I love the way when you sing a note you can connect with so many people at the same time.

"I'd love to be a singer when I'm older."

Elana Parsons, from Keynsham, sang Someone Like You by Adele and Hallelujah.

"It just feels good to sing," said the 12-year-old, who would like to travel and perform for a living when she is older.

The contest for under-14s is now in its 17th year.

Budding stars can still enter this Sunday's heat by calling competition organiser Deb Dyer on 01179 865787.

The grand final takes place on October 9, when there will be cash prizes of £150, £100, £75 and £50 for the top four.

Deb said: "Everyone in the first heat was of a really high standard and the judges thought they all deserved to go through to the final.

"We had a good audience and it all went well for the first night."