A TEENAGE singing sensation has won the nationwide VO5 Express Yourself Song Contest – securing herself a set at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival.

Country music artist Lex Rose, 17, who lives in the Fairfields area of Basingstoke, entered her original country/southern rock song 11:59 into the contest and it was voted into the final by fans.

Three judges representing the music press, EMI and VO5 then chose Lex as the winner, awarding her the top prize of a 20-minute set on the prestigious Garden Stage of the hugely popular annual festival. She will also feature in a television advertisement to promote the contest.

The former Costello School pupil, now studying at Queen Mary’s College, will join a roster of talent including 2013 headliners Bon Jovi and The Stone Roses, plus Jake Bugg, The Script, Blondie, and Fun.

Lex said: “When I heard I’d won the VO5 contest, I was in sociology class. It was the craziest moment. I feel so blessed to have been given the chance to play one of the biggest festivals in the country. I can’t wait until June.”

Currently working on her completely self-penned debut EP, which is due for release in the spring, she added: “I’ve been writing songs and performing for almost a couple of years now and it is my favourite thing to do. My influences include The Henningsens (a family band/songwriting team and the nicest people in the world), The Band Perry, and Tom Petty.

“I really love country music and I want to open people’s eyes to how great it is. There’s more to it than most think. It's real people telling real stories, which is what attracted me. It’s becoming more popular in the UK and it can really appeal to young people.

“One of my dreams is to play the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. I’d really love to open for some big country acts and eventually have my own headline tour.

“Mostly I just want people to listen to my music – it’s the kindest thing you can do for a songwriter.”