BUDDING pop stars are being urged to forget television talent searches and compete at a Kidderminster bar for the chance to cut their own CD at the famous Abbey Road recording studio.

The first of eight weekly heats for national karaoke contest, Wannabe 2005, will kick off at 9pm tonight at Yates's in Oxford Street, Kidderminster.

The sessions, which are taking place at bars across the country, will culminate in a grand final in London's Leicester Square, which will be judged by celebrity voice coach, Carrie Grant, who has worked with stars including Will Young, Lemar, Melanie C and Charlotte Church.

To get into the national final on May 22, contestants - who will be judged on vocal talent, appearance, originality of performance and stage presence - will compete in 19 regional heats and four semi-finals.

The overall winner will walk away with £5,000 as well as a CD single, which could then hold the key to a recording contract, according to Yates's spokeswoman, Rebecca Fisher.

She explained it was the opportunity to make a demo CD which could then be sent to recording companies.

Shift manager at Yates's in Kidderminster, Gemma Brooks, 22, added the winner of last year's Kidderminster heats went on to compete in the semi-finals.

She said of this year's contest: "We've already got a lot of people's names down so it should be good."

She added anyone wishing to compete must register at the bar, in advance or on the night.

More information can be obtained by calling 01562 754705. It is also available online at www.yates-bars.com