Oz hopeful can't be a cowardly lion now

IT IS an experience which would terrify even a seasoned pro – singing live on national television in front of millions and music giant Andrew Lloyd Webber.

But Over the Rainbow hopeful Jenny Douglas insists she is trying to "keep her cool" ahead of her fight for survival tonight in the BBC talent competition.

The South Queensferry teenager told the Evening News she will do everything she can to stay in the show, being desperate to be chosen by Lord Lloyd Webber as Dorothy in his West End production of The Wizard of Oz.

She said: "He gave me really good comments last week and I hope I can perform well again.

"It feels amazing to have got this far – I could never, ever have imagined I would."

The 18-year-old former Tynecastle High School student has been in intense rehearsals all week for tonight's show, knowing that if she fails to impress the judges, she could be in tomorrow's sing-off – and possibly on her way back to Edinburgh.

She said: "It's been a test of stamina this week, but I have been trying to get as much sleep as I can – I just fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

"When we're all on stage, the atmosphere is tense, but we give each other a pat on the back afterwards for support. It's unreal to be here, and I really appreciate the support I am getting at home."

Family and friends of the singer are waiting nervously ahead of tonight's performance, willing Jenny on for success as she follows her dream of a lead role in a West End show.

Her dad Andrew, 52, will be in London to watch her live in the studio, along with her auntie and uncle.

Other relatives, including her mum Mary, 45, and grandmother Margaret Mein will watch supportively at home, hoping to travel down next week if Jenny makes it through to the next stage of the competition.

Mr Douglas, a taxi driver, said: "Jenny has to sing just for Andrew Lloyd Webber tonight – to show him what she is made of.

"I know that when she performs I will well up, I just hope the cameras won't be on me when I do."

Friends are planning a "Jenny party" for tonight, including 18-year-old Katie Meechan, of Balgreen, who has known her since they were youngsters at Stenhouse Primary School.

The friends will watch the BBC show from one of their sitting rooms, eager for good news of Jenny's progress in the competition.

Katie said: "I always knew Jenny would do something like this.

"When we were in P1 we would make up bands and write our own songs.

"I cannot sing at all, so I would normally dance in the background while Jenny took the lead.

"I don't know how good we were – our mums always told us we were, though."

Jenny, a musical theatre student at Motherwell College, beat off thousands of other singers to secure a place in the competition, which has now been narrowed down to ten finalists and one "wildcard" entrant.