Bedroom musician Jacko Hooper is flying high after being picked by You’re Beautiful singer James Blunt to open the pop star’s show.

Singer-songwriter Hooper spotted an interview with Blunt in The Argus entertainments supplement The Guide seeking local acts to join him on tour.

When he got in touch with the million-selling artist’s management Blunt picked the acoustic musician as the man to warm up the Brighton Centre crowd.

Hooper, 22, works in a pub and lives with his parents in Hollingdean.

When he heard he had been whittled down from dozens of entrants to be shortlisted by Blunt he could not stop shaking.

He said: “I thought someone has to do it so I put myself forward. You submit yourself for things like this but you don’t wait around for an email back.

“When his management emailed me to say he had chosen me to do the show I thought it was an automated response.

“I was in my room with my dad and I jumped out of my chair. I said: ‘I think I am playing the Brighton Centre’.”

Jacko was telling his dad that he had secured a support slot with Norwegian folk singer Moddi at Brighton club Komedia in October when the email arrived.

He said: “When I got the gig I saw the Brighton Centre capacity is 4,500 and I was like: ‘Oh, that is a lot of people'. I can’t imagine what it will be like to see that many people from the stage. I’m nervous – but in a good way.”

Elton John took Blunt on tour to perform to huge crowds when the former officer left the army to follow his dreams of fame. Now the former captain wants to give something back.

Blunt said in August: “Suddenly, having played in front of 25 to 30 people, I was on stages in front of 45,000 people.

“It was an incredible learning experience and I’m interested in taking support acts with me who I enjoy.”

He told The Argus this week: “Jacko Hooper has something very distinct and exciting, both in the depth of his songs and his voice.”