A BUSKER is another step closer to the finals of a music competition.
Former Argus paperboy Tom Stephenson took the judges by storm with his performance at The Hove Centre last Saturday. He is now through to the semi-finals of the Open Mic UK competition – which could see the 30-year-old take on a huge crowd at a grand final later this year in the O2 Arena in London.
The singer and guitarist, of Broadfield, is often spotted busking in Crawley, Horsham and Redhill.
He is known for handing out percussion instruments to passersby so they can join in with his act.
The teaching assistant, who was an Argus paperboy in Ringmer between 1997 and 2000, said: “I’m so happy, it’s finally sinking in that I’m through to the semi-finals. It feels so good to hear my original music being so well received. I’m really grateful to all my fans.”
Mr Stephenson started out as a guitarist playing open mic nights in pubs before taking to the streets where word spread of his talent and he gained a loyal following. The Open Mic UK semi-final takes place in Fareham on November 29.
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