Open Mic UK

{{Short description|•}} {{Multiple issues| {{Promotional|date=November 2017}} {{Update|date=November 2019}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}} {{Use British English|date=December 2018}} {{Infobox recurring event | name = Open Mic UK | native_name = | logo = | logo_caption = | image = | imagesize = frameless | caption = | date =  | begins = August | ends = January | frequency = Annually | location = Live fest at IndigO2, London, United Kingdom | years_active = {{age|2008|1|1}} | first = 2008 | last = ongoing | participants = 10,000 annually<ref name="hatty"/> | genre = Music competition | budget = | patron = Live and Unsigned | website = {{URL|http://www.OpenMicUK.co.uk}} | footnotes = }}

'''Open Mic UK''' is a live music competition for singers, vocalists and solo artists run by Future Music Management<ref name="FMM"/> in the UK. Competitors compete at regional auditions to qualify to perform live at live music showcases and reach an annual national final, which is held at Indigo at The O2 complex in London and The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.<ref name="OMUK2010GF"/><ref name="GF_NEC"/> The event, which offers a recording contract and investment to the final winner, was described by Joel James of ''BBC'' York & North Yorkshire as "one of the toughest competitions in the country."<ref name="james"/>

==Overview== According to its organizers, Open Mic UK is the largest music search in the United Kingdom for vocal groups and solo artists.<ref name="theotwo"/> The competition was originally devised by Chris Grayston as a spin-off from the Live and Unsigned competition as a result of the high number of solo singers and vocalist entrants to that competition, who were without their songs.<ref name="chicester"/> Entrants compete in a series of local and regional heats to qualify to perform at the National Grand Final, and the chosen acts in each category compete at the final event.<ref name="kirsty"/> The competition attracts around 10,000 competing acts each year,<ref name="kirsty"/><ref name="fleet"/> but in recent years has substantially grown; with an estimated 12,000 acts set to compete in 2015.<ref name="hatty"/><ref name="teenagee"/><ref name="OMUKhome"/> Between 2013 and 2020, UK video production company HNE Media filmed the UK-wide competitions.

The competition has had acts such as Birdy,<ref name="BirdyFlying"/> Luke Friend,<ref name="LukeOMUK"/> Lucy Spraggan<ref name="SpragAdvice"/> and Jahmene Douglas<ref name="Jahmene"/> [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/previous-music-competition-winners/ perform in or win the competition].

==Categories== [[File:HattyKeane judges.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Winner Hatty Keane (third from right) with 2010 judges]] Singers, rappers, groups, and acoustic singer/songwriters of all genres are accepted as competitors. The competition used to be divided into three age categories; 16 and under, 17–23, and 23 and over.<ref name="kirsty"/><ref name="fleet"/> However, since the 2013 competition these age categories have changed to Under 16, 16 to 20 and 21 and over.<ref name="CultureFly"/>

==Judging== Acts can perform either covers or their own original material live, and demos and recorded material are not accepted.<ref name="fleet"/> Judges from the music industry, celebrities and record labels score all performances on the basis of vocal/musical talent, stage performance, star quality, and individuality, and the winning acts in the age categories must earn the most points from judges. An audience vote is also held in order to aid those in the judges' top scores to make it to the next round of the competition.<ref name="kirsty"/>

==Prizes== Each year the different category winners are invited to go on the Open Mic UK Tour, performing up to 100 different gigs across the United Kingdom.<ref name="fleet"/> Other regular prizes include master classes and a music video.<ref name="benbow"/>

The annual grand prize for winning the overall competition includes a management deal and an investment. In 2009, this included recording an album in professional studios with an industry vocal specialist.<ref name="fleet"/> The winner also received a £25,000 investment, a recording contract and a management deal.<ref name="james"/><ref name="kirsty"/><ref name="seven"/> In 2010, there was an overall £50,000 pool of prizes for winners, with a grand prize investment of up to £30,000. the prize was the same for the 2011 & 2012 competitions.<ref name="hopefuls"/>

Since the 2013 competition, the main prize has been £5,000 for the winner to spend on music development, as well as an extensive publicity & development package.<ref name="OMUKPrizes"/> In addition to giving all acts feedback from the judges,<ref name="brumfeedback"/> the competition also awards prizes across the board regionally; including recording studio time<ref name="sheffield studio"/> and singing lessons.<ref name="singing lessons"/>

==Annual competitions== {{Update|section|date=November 2019}}

===2008===

The first Open Mic UK took place in 2008. After a series of localized and regional finals, the National Grand Final took place at the Portsmouth Guildhall on 29 November 2008.<ref name="birdy"/>

The 12-year-old singer/songwriter Birdy won both the under 18s category and the overall contest.<ref name="birdy"/> She performed her own song at the competition called "So Be Free" in front of 2,000 people, both singing and playing keyboard.<ref name="newforest"/> Her prize was to record her album in a studio, and she subsequently signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records. In 2011, her version of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love" reached the top twenty of the UK music charts.<ref name="bigtop"/> The single entered the UK Singles Chart Top 40 on 13 March 2011<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles Radio 1 chart], ''BBC''</ref> at number 25 and in the same week reached number 10 on iTunes' UK singles chart.<ref>[http://tuneblog.co.uk/2011/03/11/tuneblog-now-birdy-skinny-love/ Now Birdy: Skinny Love]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Tune Blog'', March 2011</ref>

===2009=== thumb|left|200px|Kirsty Michele Anderson, 2009 winner The 2009 Grand Final was split into both the South and North finals with the respective finals taking place at Portsmouth Guildhall and The Willows in Manchester. The regional finals leading up to the event took place that October, with the Cardiff final taking place at the Coal Exchange,<ref name="fleet"/><ref name="altcardiff"/> and another large event at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall.<ref name="seven"/>

Among the performers at the National Grand Final were Vicky Gladwin,<ref name="chicester"/> Heath Lanzillotti, and Lisa Crawford.<ref name="james"/><ref name="seven"/> Sixteen-year-old pianist and singer Megan Thomas was unanimously voted the winner of the Under-18 category in the North Grand Final,<ref name="os"/> and soprano Kirsty Michele Anderson, an 18-year-old from Hinckley, won her age category as well,<ref name="kirsty"/><ref name="singerinfinal"/> with the Over 25 North Final being won by Paul Speak-Heaton. Anderson later went on to perform at Walkers Stadium on Boxing Day,<ref name="kirstyanderson"/> and in April 2010 became the youngest soprano in history to play Mimì in Puccini's opera ''La bohème''.<ref name="reverbnation"/><ref name="opera"/> The South Grand Final winners were London busker Jon Curtis who won the over 25-category, Luke Banot who took the 18-24 category, and Under 18 winner Esther Boxell. The Overall winner of Open Mic UK 2009 was the singer/songwriter Luke Banot.<ref name="chicester"/> [[File:Hatty stage OM.jpg|thumb|right|Winner Hatty Keane performing at Open Mic UK 2010]]

===2010=== In 2010, the regional finals again took place throughout the United Kingdom in October.<ref name="hopefuls"/><ref name="friends"/> The National Grand Final was an all-day event on 15 January 2011 at The O2's indigO2 venue in London.<ref name="theotwo"/>

Among the final participants were Katie Benbow of Dyserth.<ref name="benbow"/> Hatty Keane from Macclesfield was the winner of the Under-18 category, with 12-year-old Rosanne Hamilton as the runner up. Keane was crowned the overall runner-up.<ref name="hatty"/> Keane afterwards signed with Future Music and the music company BGM,<ref name="bgm"/> and later toured as the support for ''Britain's Got Talent'' 2010 winners Spelbound.<ref name="spellbound"/> She counts names such as Taio Cruz and producer Deejay amongst her fans.<ref name="hatty"/> The overall winner was Fran Classic, who also won the 18-25 category.<ref name="tenwinners"/> Since winning her category, Hatty Keane has gone on to secure a management contract with BGM (Baby Girl Music).<ref name="HattyInterview"/> Singer Rose Gray, aged 14 at the time, also reached the finals of the contest, later going on to sign a record deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=HIGHAMS PARK: Teenage singer makes final |url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/8719627.highams-park-teenage-singer-makes-final/ |access-date=2 October 2025 |work=Guardian Series}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=New East London talent Rose Gray unveils a shimmering delight of a debut with "good life" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/rose-gray-good-life |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref>

===2011=== The 2011 final took place on 22 January 2012 at the Indigo2.<ref name="mcuc"/> A 16 year old MC named Shak from Coulsdon<ref name="crowned"/> won both the under-16 category and was named overall winner.<ref name="famefactor"/> He performed a version of Mac Miller's "Best Day Ever"<ref name="craveas"/> and was given a recording contract for a single<ref name="teenagee"/><ref name="bizznic"/><ref name="shak"/> and a development contract with Future Music.<ref name="mcuc"/><ref name="pappzd"/> Shak also won the award for the Urban Pop genre, which was selected by ''Flavour Magazine''.<ref name="shakuk"/>

Sham from Brixton won the 17-22 category, and Sheena McHugh from Coalville won the 23 and over category.<ref name="mcuc"/><ref name="famefactor"/><ref name="craveas"/> Runner-ups included Vicky Turner, Tayla-Blue, and Quackhouse, from youngest to oldest. Caroline Eve and Karla Bernardi won Exposure Awards, and won studio time. Beth Penrose won the MUZU exposure award, and was given resources to shoot a music video.<ref name="shakuk"/>

The 2011 Open Mic UK competition also saw a very young Lauren Thalia go far in the contest<ref name="ThaliaOMUK"/> who later got to the Grand Final of ITV’s Britain's Got Talent (series 6) show receiving over 2 million views on YouTube.<ref name="ThaliaYouTube"/>

Also making a second appearance in the Open Mic UK competition in 2011 was The X Factor (UK TV series)' runner up Jahméne Douglas who won his Bristol Regional Final only to get a bout of nerves in his Area Final.<ref name="Jahmene"/>

===2012=== The 2012 Grand Final took place in January 2013 at the Indigo2<ref name="SianaWins"/> after auditions started in August that year.<ref name="OMUK2012Auditions"/> The tour guest act was Lucy Spraggan<ref name="SpragAdvice"/> and was the most searched musician on Google in 2012.<ref name ="Spragoogle"/>

The overall winner was Siana Schofield<ref name="SianaWins"/> who went on to have success in series ten of the X Factor later that year.<ref name="SianaFactor"/> Siana first won her category in the Under-16s.

Shaz Rahman won the 17-20 and Rickey & The Hats won the 21 & Over category.<ref name="SianaWins"/>

Other notable acts in the 2012 competition included Lauren Platt, who finished in 4th place in The X Factor (UK series 11). Giles Potter,<ref name="GilesYoutube"/> Alejandro Fernandez-Holt<ref name="AlejandroYoutube"/> - both of whom competed in The X Factor (UK series 10) and got as far as the Judges’ Houses<ref name="GilesJudges"/> and Bootcamp<ref name="AlejandroFactor"/> respectively - and Arisxandra Libantino<ref name="ArisxOMUK"/> who came very close to winning ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.<ref name="ArisxTalent"/>

===2013=== 2013 was the first year that the National Grand Final took place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham<ref name="HeidiWins"/> and was also the first time that the winning act came from the highest age category; with 28-year-old Heidi Browne from Shropshire taking the overall title.<ref name="HeidiWins"/><ref name="CultureHeidi"/>

The judging panel for the National Grand Final included: Kerrang Radio, Planet Rock, and 4Music presenter Alex Baker;<ref name="baker"/> Sony Music Entertainment talent producer Eddie Evelyn-Hall;<ref name="eddie twitter"/> Mark Hill - who boasts four Ivor Novello Awards, a number one album, two number one singles and over 10 million record sales worldwide;<ref name="artful"/> managing director of River Studios, Gareth Henderson - who has produced for the likes of Alesha Dixon, Corinne Bailey Rae, Birdy and Luke Friend;<ref name="garethhenderson"/> Tanya Anderson - who has choreographed for acts on the JLS Farewell Tour and the Music Video Awards;<ref name="tanyaanderson"/> A&R scout for Universal Music Group James Morgan;<ref name="linkedjames"/> showbiz journalist Jon Hornbuckle;<ref name="hornbuckle"/> founder of www.music-news.com Marco Gandolfi;<ref name="marcogandolfi"/> songwriter/producer Simon Britton - who has worked with the likes of Eminem, Sting, Usher, Michael Jackson, and Sean Paul;<ref name="simonbritton"/> producer and presenter for BBC Introducing Merlin D;<ref name="merlind"/> and head of Future Music Management Chris Grayston.

===2014=== The Open Mic UK Grand Final took place at The NEC in Birmingham and gave acts the chance to perform in front of a music industry judging panel which included record label representatives from Sony and Universal. All acts were competing for the title of ‘Open Mic UK Champion 2014’.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/music-industry-%E2%80%93-open-mic-uk-grand-final-judges%E2%80%99-top-scores#.WJDL0GQrJ1N |title=Music Industry | Music Industry Judges | Open Mic UK |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813215007/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/music-industry-%E2%80%93-open-mic-uk-grand-final-judges%E2%80%99-top-scores#.WJDL0GQrJ1N |archive-date=13 August 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

South and City's music department is the latest to produce an award-winning student, as Richard Jones won the Open Mic UK music competition for 2014.

Richard Jones was crowned champion in front of a capacity crowd and a prestigious music industry judging panel at The NEC in Birmingham. His original song called "Temptation" won over the competition industry judges making him the overall winner of Open Mic UK.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/richard-jones-crowned-open-mic-uk-champion#.WJDMQWQrJ1N |title=Open Mic UK Champion | Competition Champion | Competition Winner | |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=16 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216002236/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/richard-jones-crowned-open-mic-uk-champion#.WJDMQWQrJ1N |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tom Auton won the under 16’s age category and later that year went on to win the Future Music Songwriting competition at Dingwall’s in Camden.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.whitchurchhs.com/School_News/2014-2015/FutureMusic/2015.html|title=Whitchurch High School|website=www.whitchurchhs.com|access-date=2017-01-31|archive-date=21 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221134631/http://www.whitchurchhs.com/School_News/2014-2015/FutureMusic/2015.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Heather Cameron Hayes later making it to the semi-final of The Voice on BBC<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4mPH9cdXgRpDTDQZkrwVc8H/heather-cameron-hayes|title=BBC One - The Voice UK, Series 5 - Heather Cameron-Hayes|website=BBC}}</ref> along with other Future Music competition acts Rachel Ann TeenStar winner, Farheem, Tobias Robertson, Eli Cripss, Deano and Lydia Lucy to name a few. thumb|Lola Young at Open Mic UK 2015

===2015===

The 2015 Open Mic UK Grand Final took place in January 2016 at The NEC in Birmingham.

15-year-old Lola Young from South London was crowned Open Mic UK winner for 2015, fending off competition from artists across various age categories. It marked a huge personal achievement for the young singer-songwriter, who had entered the competition numerous times previous, including running off stage in tears in her earlier years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cocoadiaries.com/music/her-name-is-lola-emerging-south-london-talent-wins-open-mic-uk/|title=Her Name is Lola: Emerging South London Talent Wins Open Mic UK | the Cocoa Diaries}}</ref> Lola attends the Brit School who are no strangers to having successful pupils with acts such as Adele and Jessie J and Lola also recently appeared on CBBC show Got What It Takes?. Lola's original song called "Never Enough" won over the competition industry judges making her the overall winner of Open Mic UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/andyk/view/140710/|title = Lola Young crowned Open Mic UK 2015 Champion!}}</ref>

===2016=== The Open Mic UK 2016 Grand Final was held at The NEC in Birmingham. The overall winner of the competition was Sam Clines, who won recording studio time to record their album and a video of the best single plus extensive media promotion from a professional PR company.<ref name="openmicuk.co.uk">{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/open-mic-uk-music-competition-winner#.WJDVzmQrJ1M |title=Open Mic UK Music Competition Winner |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=11 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311164003/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/open-mic-uk-music-competition-winner#.WJDVzmQrJ1M |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The panel that judged the Grand Final included; TV personality and Leading vocal coach CeCe Sammy who has worked with Diana Ross, Will Young, Simon Cowell and Leona Lewis. From Universal records, Leon Haynes. Rocket Fuel representative and music manager Andy Baker. A&R consultant for major record companies, Jayne Collins, who put together and managed The Saturdays and The Wanted. Head of talent at Syco Music Barney Addison and Head of Future Music and responsible for discovering Birdy, Lucy Spraggan and Luke Friend, Chris Grayston.<ref name="openmicuk.co.uk"/>

=== 2017 === The Open Mic UK 2017 Grand Final was held at The NEC in Birmingham on Saturday 20 January. James Neilson was the overall winner, and he was awarded recording studio time to record his album and a video of his best single plus extensive media promotion from a professional PR company.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/open-mic-uk-2017-prize-winners/|title=Open Mic UK 2017 Winners|work=Open Mic UK|access-date=2018-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref>

The judging panel included; platinum selling artist Dane Bowers. Celebrity vocal coach and TV judge CeCe Sammy, who has worked with celebrities such as Diana Ross, Simon Cowell, Will Young, and Leona Lewis. Head of talent at Syco Music Barney Addison. Preye Crooks from Columbia Records. [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/james-ellett/ James Ellett] from Modest Management. Head examiner at RockSchool (RSL) '''Stuart Slater'''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/stuart-slater/|title=Stuart Slater|work=Open Mic UK|access-date=2018-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> and Head of Future Music and responsible for discovering Birdy (singer), Lucy Spraggan, Luke Friend, Chris Grayston.<ref name=":1"/>

=== 2018 ===

The [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/open-mic-uk-winners-2018/ Open Mic UK 2018 Grand Final] was held at indigo at The O2 in London on Sunday 20 January. [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/reuel-elijah-open-mic-uk-champion-2018/ Reuel Elijah] was the overall winner of the music competition, receiving studio time to record his album and a video of the best single, plus extensive media promotion from a professional PR company.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/reuel-elijah-2018-open-mic-uks-champion/|title=Open Mic UK 2018 Winners|work=Open Mic UK|access-date=2018-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref>

The 2018 judging panel included; celebrity vocal coach and TV judge CeCe Sammy, who has worked with celebrities such as Diana Ross, Simon Cowell, Will Young, and Leona Lewis. [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/james-ellett/ James Ellett] from Modest Management. Head of talent at Syco Music Barney Addison. Jayne Collins, Artist Manager and founder of the very successful pop groups, including The Wanted and The Saturdays. James Sinclair, A&R Manager at Atlantic Records and A&R Manager Leon Haynes of Polydor Records, whose artists have included Girls Aloud, The Saturdays, Take That and Ellie Goulding. Lawrence Hobbs, producer and songwriter signed to Notting Hill and 23rd Precinct Music, and Head of Future Music and responsible for discovering Birdy (singer), Lucy Spraggan, Luke Friend, Chris Grayston.<ref name=":2"/>

=== 2019 === thumb|2019 Winner Natalie Lindi with the judges The [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/open-mic-uk-winners-2019/ Open Mic UK 2019 Grand Final] was again held at indigo at The O2 in London on Saturday 1 February. North London singer-songwriter [https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/open-mic-uk-champion-2019/ Natalie Lindi] was the

Overall winner of the music competition, receiving studio time to record her album and a video of the best single, plus extensive media promotion from a professional PR company and a one on one vocal technique session with celebrity vocal coach CeCe Sammy.

The 2019 judging panel included; BAFTA award-winning presenter and vocalist Carrie Grant, A&R Manager Leon Haynes of Polydor Records, whose artists have included Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish and Ellie Goulding, Capital Xtra DJ Ras Kwame, singer, songwriter and producer, Suzanna Dee and Head of Future Music and responsible for discovering Birdy (singer), Lucy Spraggan, Luke Friend and more Chris Grayston.<ref name=":2" />

==Overall winners== {{Update|section|date=November 2019}} {| class="wikitable" ! Date ! Grand Winners ! Under-18 ! 18-24 ! Over-25 |-

|2008 |Birdy<ref name="birdy"/> |Birdy<ref name="birdy"/> |N/A |N/A |- |2009 |Luke Banot |Megan Thomas,<br />Esther Boxell<ref name="os"/> |Kirsty Michele Anderson,<br />Luke Banot<ref name="kirsty"/> |Jon Curtis,<br />Paul Speak-Heaton |- |2010 |Fran Classic |Hatty Keane<ref name="hatty"/> |Fran Classic |Eden Vernett Showers<ref name="tenwinners"/> |- |2011 |Shak |Shak |Sham |Sheena McHugh<ref name="shakuk"/> |- |}

{| class="wikitable" ! Date ! Grand Winner ! Under-16 ! 17-20 ! 21 & Over |-

|2018 |Reuel Elijah |Rhys & Verity |Alia Lara |Reuel Elijah |- |}<br /> {| class="wikitable" ! Date ! Grand Winner ! Under-18 ! Over-18 |-

|2019 |Natalie Lindi |Leah Turay |Natalie Lindi |}

==Judging panels== {{Update|section|date=November 2019}} *Chris Grayston (2008–present)<ref name="famefactor" /> *Ras Kwame (2010–present)<ref name="bgm"/> *Leon Haynes (2016–present) *Cece Sammy (2014–present) *Alex Baker (2014–present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/alex-baker|title = Open Mic Judges: Music Judges for This Year's Open Mic}}</ref> *James Ellet (2015–present) *Barney Addison (2015–present) *Laurence Hobbs (2015–present) *Layla Manoochehri (2014–present)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/sony-music-layla-manoochehri |title=Sony Music's Layla Manoochehri |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409073228/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/sony-music-layla-manoochehri |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Julie Miles (2018–present) *Suzanna Dee (2018–present) *Mark Hill (2008–2014)<ref name="MarkHill" /> *James Meadows (2014–2015) *James Morgan (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/james-morgan-from-universal-music |title=James Morgan from Universal Music |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=7 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407113510/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/james-morgan-from-universal-music |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Gareth Henderson (2008-2015)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.riverstudios.co.uk/staff/gareth-henderson-mdproducervocal-coach/|title=Gareth Henderson - MD/Producer/Coach}}</ref> *Stuart Slater (2014-2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/Stuart-Slater|title = Open Mic Judges: Music Judges for This Year's Open Mic}}</ref> *Simon Keegan (2010–2013)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/Simon-Keegan |title=Judges | Simon Keegan |access-date=27 January 2012 |archive-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303133509/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/Simon-Keegan |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Andy Baker (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/music-manager-andy-baker |title=Music Manager - Andy Baker |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-date=17 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517061543/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/music-manager-andy-baker |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Charlie Hedges (2012)<ref name="CharlieHedges"/> *Si Hulbert (2012)<ref name="sihulbert"/> *Dane Bowers (2010–2012)<ref name="friends"/><ref name="bgm"/> *Annie Nightingale (2011–2012)<ref name="famefactor" /> *E Plus (2011–2012)<ref name="EPlus" /> *Semper Azeez-Harris<ref name="shakuk" />(2011) *Pete Cunnah (2011)<ref name="famefactor" /> *Shola Ama (2010–2011)<ref name="bgm" /><ref name="famefactor" /> *Lee Latchford-Evans (2010)<ref name="friends"/> *Liz McClarnon (2010)<ref name="friends"/> *James Dakers (2010)<ref name="theare"/> *Vic Bynoe (2010) *Mesha Bryan (2008–2010) *Darren Ashford (2009, 2010) *Paul Stanborough (2010) *Steve Lyon (2010)

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<ref name="tanyaanderson">{{cite web |url=https://dancers.mandy.com/uk/dancer/profile/tanya-anderson |title=Mandy Dancers - Tanya Anderson |date=2014 |publisher=Tanya Anderson |access-date=2014-10-11 |archive-date=13 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043156/https://dancers.mandy.com/uk/dancer/profile/tanya-anderson |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="garethhenderson"> {{cite web |url=http://www.riverstudios.co.uk/staff/gareth-henderson-md-producer-coach |title=Gareth Henderson - MD/Producer/Coach |date=2014 |publisher=River Studios |access-date=2014-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009182533/http://www.riverstudios.co.uk/staff/gareth-henderson-md-producer-coach |archive-date=9 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="artful"> {{cite web |url=http://twopointzeroagency.com/portfolio/artful/ |title=Artful - TwoPointZero Portfolio |date= 2014 |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="eddie twitter"> {{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/EddieTheCoo |title=Eddie Evelyn-Hall - Twitter |date= 2014 |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="baker"> {{cite web |url=http://www.kerrangradio.co.uk/on-air/alex-baker/favourites/the-alex-baker-show/ |title=Alex Baker - Kerrang Radio |date= 2014 |publisher=Kerrang Radio |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="CultureHeidi"> {{cite news |url=http://culturefly.co.uk/national-music-competition-crowns-heidi-browne-open-mic-uk-winner/ |title=National Music Competition Crowns Heidi Brown Open Mic UK Winner |last=Weekly |first=Marcus |date=20 January 2014 |publisher=Culture Fly |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="HeidiWins"> {{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/heidi-browne-crowned-singing-contest-winner-of-open-mic-uk-2013-at-the-nec-birmingham#.VDkWbks2zwI |title=X Factor's Alejandro Fernandez-Holt new Bootcamp twist has killed my singing dream |date=29 September 2013 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="GilesJudges"> {{cite AV media | people=Potter, Giles (Musician) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV6RklqGwQE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/PV6RklqGwQE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live| date=5 October 2013 | title=Giles Potter sing You’re Beautiful by James Blunt — Judges Houses — The X Factor 2013 | medium=YouTube Video | location=UK | access-date=2014-10-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

<ref name="AlejandroFactor"> {{cite news |url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/29/x-factors-alejandro-fernandez-holt-new-bootcamp-twist-has-killed-my-singing-dream-4127080/ |title=X Factor's Alejandro Fernandez-Holt new Bootcamp twist has killed my singing dream |date=29 September 2013 |publisher=Metro |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="AlejandroYoutube"> {{cite AV media | people=Fernandez-Holt, Alejandro (Musician) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAAqgJeD1fw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/kAAqgJeD1fw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live| date=11 October 2011 | title=Open Mic UK Alejandro Fernandez Holt Brighton Regional Final | medium=YouTube Video | location=UK | access-date=2014-10-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

<ref name="GilesYoutube"> {{cite AV media | people=Potter, Giles (Musician) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9rR3iU9v3U | date=6 October 2012 | title=Giles at NEC Open Mic Saturday 6 October 2012 | medium=YouTube Video | location=UK | access-date=2014-10-11}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="singing lessons"> {{cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/importance-of-singing-lessons#.VDkRHEs2zwI |title=The Importance of Singing Lessons |date= 2013 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="sheffield studio"> {{cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/free-music-studio-time-in-sheffield-–-open-mic-uk-singing-competition-announces-redfern-studios-as-regional-music-studio-partner#.VDkOoEs2zwI |title=Free Music Studio time in Sheffield |date= August 2013 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="brumfeedback">{{cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/birmingham-music-competition-–-feedback-for-the-open-mic-uk-birmingham-regional-finals#.VDkNGUs2zwJ |title=Birmingham Music Competition Feedback for the Open Mic UK Birmingham Regional Finals |date=October 2013 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054159/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/birmingham-music-competition-%E2%80%93-feedback-for-the-open-mic-uk-birmingham-regional-finals#.VDkNGUs2zwJ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="sihulbert"> {{cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/Si-Hulbert |title=Si Hulbert |date=December 2012 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003033648/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/Si-Hulbert |archive-date=3 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="EPlus"> {{cite web |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/judges/E-Plus |title=E Plus |date= December 2012 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04}}</ref>

<ref name="CharlieHedges"> {{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1207/CHARLIE-HEDGES-KISS-FM-PRESENTER-CONFIRMED-TO-JUDGE-UNSIGNED-MUSIC-CONTEST-OPEN-MIC-UK-GRAND-FINAL |title=Charlie Hedges To Judge Open Mic UK |date= December 2012 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04}}</ref>

<ref name="MarkHill"> {{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1208/MARK-HILL-MUSIC-PRODUCER-CONFIRMED-TO-JUDGE-UNSIGNED-MUSIC-CONTEST-OPEN-MIC-UK-GRAND-FINAL |title=Mark Hill Music Producer Confirmed To Judge Unsigned Music Contest |date=December 2012 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109022129/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1208/MARK-HILL-MUSIC-PRODUCER-CONFIRMED-TO-JUDGE-UNSIGNED-MUSIC-CONTEST-OPEN-MIC-UK-GRAND-FINAL |archive-date=9 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="ArisxOMUK"> {{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/925/OPEN-MIC-YORKSHIRE-Results-from-the-North-North-East-England-Area-Final |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130904222515/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/925/OPEN-MIC-YORKSHIRE-Results-from-the-North-North-East-England-Area-Final |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-09-04 |title=OPEN MIC YORKSHIRE -Results from the North & North East England Area Final! |date=December 2012 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04 }} </ref>

<ref name="ArisxTalent"> {{cite news |url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Britain-s-Got-Talent-Arisxandra-Libantino-misses/story-19226421-detail/story.html#axzz2dxjjPqwB |title=Britain's Got Talent: Arisxandra Libantino Misses Out |date=8 June 2013 |publisher=This Is Nottingham |access-date=2014-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822003304/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Britain-s-Got-Talent-Arisxandra-Libantino-misses/story-19226421-detail/story.html#axzz2dxjjPqwB |archive-date=22 August 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="SianaFactor"> {{cite news |url=http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-2013-spoilers-teenagers-siana-schofield-rielle-carrington-wow-sharon-osbourne-gary-barlow/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130904222524/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-2013-spoilers-teenagers-siana-schofield-rielle-carrington-wow-sharon-osbourne-gary-barlow/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2013 |title=X Factor 2013 spoilers |date=31 August 2013 |publisher=Unreality TV |access-date=2014-09-04 }} </ref>

<ref name="Spragoogle">{{cite news |url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/x-factor-lesbian-lucy-spraggan-top-google-trend-2012111212 |title=X Factor lesbian Lucy Spraggan top Google trend of 2012 |date=11 December 2012 |publisher=Gay Star News |access-date=2014-09-04 |archive-date=6 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006064104/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/x-factor-lesbian-lucy-spraggan-top-google-trend-2012111212 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="OMUK2012Auditions"> {{cite news |url=http://lovemusicnews.co.uk/open-mic-uk-2012-auditions-start-soon/ |title=Open Mic UK 2012 Auditions Start Soon |date= 15 June 2013 |publisher=Love Music News |access-date=2014-09-04}}</ref>

<ref name="SianaWins"> {{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1211/SIANACROWNED-SINGING-COMPETITION-WINNER-OF-OPEN-MIC-UK-AT-THE-O2-LONDON |title=Siana Crowned Singing Competition Winner of Open Mic UK at The O2 London |date=January 2013 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808063711/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1211/SIANACROWNED-SINGING-COMPETITION-WINNER-OF-OPEN-MIC-UK-AT-THE-O2-LONDON |archive-date=8 August 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="ThaliaOMUK"> {{cite news |url=http://www.in-hampshire.co.uk/open-mic-uk-lauren-thalia-aldershot-regional-final/ |title=Open Mic UK Lauren Thalia Aldershot Regional Final |date=29 January 2013 |publisher=In Hampshire |access-date=2014-09-04 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} </ref>

<ref name="ThaliaYouTube"> {{cite AV media | people=Thalia, Lauren (Musician) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4OuTT3zLug | date=21 April 2012 | title=Lauren Thalia Turn My Swag On | medium=YouTube Video | location=UK | access-date=2014-09-04}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="HattyInterview">{{cite news |url=http://www.thisislime.net/interviews/music/Interview_Hatty_Keane |title=Live Music Interview: Hatty Keane |year=2012 |publisher=This Is Lime |access-date=2014-09-04 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032237/http://www.thisislime.net/interviews/music/Interview_Hatty_Keane |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="OMUKPrizes">{{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/talent-contest |title=Singing Contest Prizes |year= 2013 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="CultureFly">{{cite news |url=http://culturefly.co.uk/open-mic-uk-competition-dates-think-youve-got-what-it-takes/ |title=Open Mic UK Competition Dates - Think You've Got What It Takes? |date= 10 May 2013 |publisher=CulutureFly |access-date=2014-09-04}}</ref>

<ref name="Jahmene">{{cite news |url = http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1200/JAHMENE-DOUGLAS-A-FORMER-OPEN-MIC-UK-contestant-has-the-X-Factor |title = Jahmene Douglas, A Former Open Mic UK Contestant, Has The X-Factor |date = December 2012 |publisher = Open Mic UK |access-date = 2014-09-04 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121221062823/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1200/JAHMENE-DOUGLAS-A-FORMER-OPEN-MIC-UK-contestant-has-the-X-Factor |archive-date = 2012-12-21 }}</ref>

<ref name="SpragAdvice">{{cite news |url = http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1133/LUCY-SPRAGGAN-OPEN-MIC-UK-guest-act-provides-unsigned-music-advice |title = Lucy Spraggan Open Mic UK Guest Act Provides Unsigned Music Advice |date = August 2012 |publisher = Open Mic UK |access-date = 2014-09-04 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130718191019/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1133/Lucy-Spraggan-Open-Mic-UK-guest-act-provides-unsigned-music-advice |archive-date = 2013-07-18 }}</ref>

<ref name="BirdyFlying"> {{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1060/BIRDY-OPEN-MIC-UK-WINNER-is-flying-high |title=Birdy Open Mic UK Winner Is Flying High |date=May 2012 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225722/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/1060/BIRDY-OPEN-MIC-UK-WINNER-is-flying-high |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="OMUKhome">{{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk |title=Open Mic UK Home Page |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-09-04}}</ref>

<ref name="FMM">{{cite news |url=http://www.futuremusicmanagement.com/ |title=Future Music Management Home Page |publisher=Future Music Management |access-date=2014-09-04}}</ref>

<ref name="OMUK2010GF"> {{cite news |title = The Open Mic 2010 Grand Final Winners At The O2 |url = http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/557/THE-OPEN-MIC-2010-GRAND-FINAL-WINNERS-AT-THE-O2 |publisher = Open Mic UK |date = January 2010 |access-date = 2013-09-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110120003013/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/557/THE-OPEN-MIC-2010-GRAND-FINAL-WINNERS-AT-THE-O2 |archive-date = 20 January 2011 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="famefactor">{{cite news |title = Open Mic UK Crown Their Winner |url = http://famefactormagazine.com/?p=2799 |newspaper = Fame Factor Magazine |date = January 2012 |access-date = 2012-01-29 |archive-date = 13 October 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231013060221/http://famefactormagazine.com/?p=2799 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name="mcuc">{{cite news |title = Teenage MC Crowned Open Mic UK Winner |first = Gordon |last = Johnston |url = http://www.glasswerk.co.uk/news/national/15043/Teenage+MC+Crowned+Open+Mic+UK+Winner |newspaper = Glasswerk News |date = 24 January 2012 |access-date = 2012-01-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120126144032/http://www.glasswerk.co.uk/news/national/15043/Teenage+MC+Crowned+Open+Mic+UK+Winner |archive-date = 26 January 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name="shak">{{cite news | title = The Open Mic UK Winner is… Teenage MC: Shak | url = http://www.themusicmag.com/music-news/shak-open-mic-uk-winner/ | newspaper = The Music Mag | date = 23 January 2012 | access-date = 2012-01-29 }}</ref>

<ref name="teenagee"> {{cite news |title = Teenage MC Wins Open Mic UK |first = Pip |last = Ellwood |url = http://entertainment-focus.com/news/teenage-mc-wins-open-mic-uk |newspaper = Entertainment Focus |date = 23 January 2012 |access-date = 2012-01-29 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} </ref>

<ref name="craveas">{{cite news | title = A Level student wins Open Mic UK 2012 | url = http://www.craveonmusic.com/index.php?cID=708 | publisher = CraveOnMusic.com | date = 23 January 2010 | access-date = 2012-01-29 }}</ref>

<ref name="bizznic">{{cite news |title = 16yr Old Open Mic Champion Crowned! |url = http://thebizzniz.com/2012/01/24/16yr-old-open-mic-champion-crowned/ |newspaper = TheBizzNiz |date = 24 January 2012 |access-date = 2012-01-29 |archive-date = 13 October 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231013061723/http://thebizzniz.com/2012/01/24/16yr-old-open-mic-champion-crowned/ |url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name="shakuk">{{cite news | title = Shak crowned singing competition winner of Open Mic UK at The O2 London | url = http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/960/Shak-crowned-singing-competition-winner-of-Open-Mic-UK-at-The-O2-London | publisher = OpenMicUK | date = January 2012 | access-date = 2012-01-29 }}</ref>

<ref name="crowned"> {{cite news |title = *BREAKING NEWS* Teenage MC crowned Open Mic UK winner! |url = http://newsik.co.uk/2012/01/breaking-news-teenage-mc-crowned-open-mic-uk-winner/ |newspaper = Newsik |access-date = 2012-01-29 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} </ref>

<ref name="pappzd">{{cite news |title = Schoolboy Wins Open Mic UK Competition |url = http://pappzd.com/2012/01/shak-winner-open-mic-competitio/ |newspaper = PappzD! |date = 24 January 2012 |access-date = 2012-01-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120127082300/http://pappzd.com/2012/01/shak-winner-open-mic-competitio/ |archive-date = 27 January 2012 |url-status = usurped }}</ref>

<ref name="tenwinners">{{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/national_vote |title=2010 Winners |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2011-05-12}}</ref>

<ref name="theare"> {{cite news |url=http://www.lightsdown.com/Staff.aspx |title=Lights Down staff |publisher=LightsDown Theatre School |access-date=2011-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203133617/http://www.lightsdown.com/Staff.aspx |archive-date=3 December 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="birdy">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/content/articles/2008/12/06/birdy_ukidol_feature.shtml |title={{as written|Twle|ve [sic]}} year-old 'Birdy' wins UK talent contest |last=Almroth-Wright |first=Indy |date=6 December 2008 |publisher=BBC (Hampshire) |access-date=2011-04-15}}</ref>

<ref name="fleet">{{cite news |url = http://www.lifeinfleetwood.co.uk/2009/10/01/local-talent-shines-on-the-mic/#more-159 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091225135813/http://www.lifeinfleetwood.co.uk/2009/10/01/local-talent-shines-on-the-mic/#more-159 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 25 December 2009 |title = Local talent shines on the Mic |date = 1 October 2009 |publisher = Life in Fleetwood |access-date = 2011-05-12 }}</ref>

<ref name="seven">{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/10/21/talented-guitarist-axed-from-competition-because-he-s-only-seven-86908-21762982/ |title=Talented guitarist axed from competition...because he's only seven |last=O'Brien |first=Joe |date=21 October 2009 |newspaper=Daily Record |access-date=2011-05-12}}</ref>

<ref name="james">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/york/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8208000/8208221.stm |title=York singer's talent show success |last=James |first=Joel |date=23 October 2009 |publisher=BBC (Yorkshire) |access-date= 2011-02-17}}</ref>

<ref name="chicester">{{cite news |url=http://www.chichester.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/review_open_mic_uk_national_grand_final_guildhall_portsmouth_1_1515533 |title=Review: Open Mic UK national grand final, Guildhall, Portsmouth |last=Hewitt |first=Phil |date=29 November 2009 |publisher=Chichester Observer |access-date=2011-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315182419/http://www.chichester.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/review_open_mic_uk_national_grand_final_guildhall_portsmouth_1_1515533 |archive-date=15 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="friends">{{cite news |url=http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8450132.Friends_go_head_to_head_in_music_contest/ |title=Friends go head to head in music contest |last=Pope |first=Rhianne |date=13 October 2010 |newspaper=Oxford Mail |access-date=2011-05-12}}</ref>

<ref name="hopefuls">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_9044000/9044060.stm |title=Hopefuls compete in Open Mic UK |last=Minard |first=Jenny |date=29 September 2010 |publisher=BBC (Berkshire) |access-date=2011-05-12}}</ref>

<ref name="benbow">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/walesmusic/2011/01/katie-benbow-open-mic-o2.shtml |title=Katie Benbow up for Open Mic award |last=McLaren |first=James |date=13 January 2011 |publisher=BBC (Crymru Wales) |access-date=2011-02-17}}</ref>

<ref name="bigtop">{{cite news |url=http://www.bigtop40.com/gossip/new-teen-star-about-go-top-10/ |title=A new teen star is about to go top 10 |date=6 February 2011 |publisher=Global Radio |access-date=2011-04-15}}</ref>

<ref name="bgm">{{cite news |url = http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/581/Open-Mic-UK-competition-winner-Hatty-Keane-signs-to-BGM |title = Open Mic UK Competition Winner Hatty Keane signs to BGM |date = 8 February 2011 |publisher = Open Mic UK |access-date = 2011-04-15 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110322033316/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/581/Open-Mic-UK-competition-winner-Hatty-Keane-signs-to-BGM |archive-date = 22 March 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="hatty">{{cite news |url=http://www.hattykeane.com/ |title=Hatty Keane |date=1 April 2011 |publisher=WDPJ Media |access-date=2011-04-15 |archive-date=3 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403035839/http://www.hattykeane.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="newforest">{{cite news |url = http://newforestfoodfairs.co.uk/Index.php?The_Festival |title = The Pylewell Park Food and Drink Festival: Birdy |date = 23 May 2011 |publisher = New Forest Fairs |access-date = 2011-05-12 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111113070510/http://www.newforestfoodfairs.co.uk/Index.php?The_Festival |archive-date = 13 November 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="theotwo">{{cite news |url = http://www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2/event/open-mic-uk-all-day-pass-20110115.html |title = Indig02 |year = 2011 |publisher = TheO2 |access-date = 2011-05-12 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111002022353/http://www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2/event/open-mic-uk-all-day-pass-20110115.html |archive-date = 2011-10-02 }}</ref>

<ref name="spellbound">{{cite news|url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/678/Open-Mic-UK-competition-winner-Hatty-Keane-to-support-Spelbound-on-UK-tour|title=Open Mic UK competition winner Hatty Keane to support Spelbound on UK tour!|publisher=Open Mic UK|access-date=2011-05-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506174427/http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/view/678/Open-Mic-UK-competition-winner-Hatty-Keane-to-support-Spelbound-on-UK-tour|archive-date=2011-05-06}}</ref>

<ref name="kirsty">{{cite news|url=http://www.kirstymicheleanderson.com/open-mic-uk/|title=Anderson has been crowned winner of Open Mic UK 2009!|publisher=KirstyMicheleAnderson.com|access-date=2011-05-12}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

<ref name="singerinfinal"> {{cite news |url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Singer-final/article-1409096-detail/article.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505114538/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Singer-final/article-1409096-detail/article.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-05-05 |title=Singer in Final |last=Peplow |first=G |year=2009 |publisher=This is Leicestershire |access-date=2011-05-12 }} </ref>

<ref name="altcardiff"> {{cite news |url=http://www.alt.cardiff.ac.uk/index.php?id=show-204-0-0-1745 |title=Open Mic UK Regionals hit Cardiff |last=George |first=Sarah |date=2 October 2009 |publisher=Alt.Cardiff |access-date=2011-05-12 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} </ref>

<ref name="kirstyanderson"> {{cite news |url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1916085,00.html |title=Kirsty Anderson Performs at the Walkers |date=28 December 2009 |publisher=Leicester City Football Club |access-date=2011-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831032201/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1916085,00.html |archive-date=31 August 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} </ref>

<ref name="opera">{{cite news |url=http://www.stanley-opera.org.uk/artists.php |title=Chorus and Principals previously appearing with Stanley Opera |year=2010 |publisher=Stanley Opera |access-date=2011-05-12}}</ref>

<ref name="reverbnation">{{cite news |url=http://www.st-marys-perivale.org.uk/events30oct13.htm |title=Kirsty Michele Anderson: About This Artist |publisher=St Mary's Perivale |access-date=2011-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002075701/http://www.st-marys-perivale.org.uk/events30oct13.htm |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="os">{{cite news |url=http://www.osadvertiser.co.uk/news/ormskirk-news/2009/12/17/ormskirk-teenager-set-for-stardom-after-winning-open-mic-uk-competition-80904-25406669/ |title=Ormskirk teenager set for stardom after winning Open Mic UK competition |last=Salter |first=Amy |date=17 December 2009 |publisher=Ormskirk Advertiser |access-date=2011-05-12 |archive-date=6 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006040810/http://www.osadvertiser.co.uk/news/ormskirk-news/2009/12/17/ormskirk-teenager-set-for-stardom-after-winning-open-mic-uk-competition-80904-25406669/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="GF_NEC">{{cite news |url=http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/News/open-mic-uk-national-grand-final-to-take-place-at-the-nec-birmingham#.VDkBvEs2zwJ |title=Open Mic UK National Grand Final to take place at the NEC Birmingham |date=10 November 2014 |publisher=Open Mic UK |access-date=2014-11-10}}</ref>

</references>

==External links== *{{Official website|http://www.openmicuk.co.uk}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Open Mic UK}} Category:Music competitions in the United Kingdom Category:Recurring events established in 2008 Category:2008 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:Annual events in the United Kingdom