Profiles

Twelve year-old Jasmine Van den Bogaerde, known as ‘Birdy’ entered the under 18 singing category of the annual competition, UK Idol 2008.

Having battled through previous competitive auditions and a tough regional final, Birdy grabbed the under 18's title in the live final on 29 November, playing keyboards and singing a very moving song that she wrote herself, So Be Free.

The finals were held at Portsmouth's Guildhall with Birdy facing fierce competition from her older rivals: "It was amazing, they were all older than me, and they were so good that I didn't think that I was going to win," she told Sally Taylor.

Birdy, playing on Sally Taylor's show

Despite being a very quiet, modest 12 year-old, Birdy has a very mature soulful voice and is a fan of fellow singer/songwriter's KT Tunstall and James Morrison.

Birdy is one of five children and lives near Lymington. Her great uncle was the actor Sir Dirk Bogarde. 

Birdy's prize is to go into a recording studio for six days - and has been offered the chance to make a record with British soul and R&B singer, songwriter Lemar.

Winning the competition could thrust Birdy into the limelight, dad Rupert is keen to support her all the way: "I think the one thing we will do is get her as much advice first - it's got to be Birdy's call.

"More than anything it's about Birdy and what she wants to do with it. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."

UK Idol is a annual music and dance competition for singers, bands, and dancers. The contest attracts over 10,000 entrants in two age categories under 18 and 18 and over.