SOUTH Ham singer Ryan Upton has showcased his talent and punched his way into representing the country at an international singing competition.

As previously reported in the Gazette, the 26-year-old earned himself a spot in the British finals of the Tour Music Fest competition.

Joining more than 200 artists the singer travelled up to London to perform in front of a judging panel and an audience of his peers in a bid to win a place at the European final in Rome in December.

Ryan told the Gazette: “I went up with my girlfriend and I said to her before going into the performance that I wasn’t really feel nervous, I was just excited and wanted to go and perform.”

And that is exactly what he did, wowing the judges who gave him a standing ovation and securing his place in the European final.

The South Ham resident was picked as one of four finalists to represent the country.

He added: “After everyone performed the judges announced their top five in each category, and when it got around to my name, I was a bit shocked.

“I then had to have an interview with the judges, and they told me they had not heard a voice like mine in years, which was really amazing to hear.

“It was a really long day, but it was an amazing experience and I just want to get to Rome now.”

Ryan will now travel to Italy on December 7 to perform at the final where he will sing with a live band in front of more than 1,000 people.

But before that he will also compete in the Open Mic UK final on October 27.

He added: “This Sunday will give me good practice and I have a few weddings lined up for the final, so it is now just getting as familiar with the song I am going to perform as possible.”