IT has been a whirlwind year for Swindon’s Sam Millard, who hit the headlines last September by becoming the runner-up in the first Swindon Talent competition.

The 21-year-old, who lives with her parents in the town, was just pipped in the finals of Swindon Talent 08 by the dance group the Saturday Club.

But that hasn’t held back Sam as she found that Swindon Talent provided the perfect showcase to make a name for herself as a singer.

The 21-year-old has changed her name to Samantha Maybee and, although she still holds down a job in a building society in Swindon during the week, she is often performing in concerts in the evening and at the weekend.

Swindon Advertiser: I love Swindon “Swindon Talent was huge fun,” said Sam. “It was great to see all the talent in and around Swindon.

“It was a great feeling when performing, it was kind of mind-boggling, feeling nervous, excited yet where I belong at the same time.

“I love being on stage, singing and dancing, it gives you a feeling you can’t get anywhere else. There was so much talent there. Everyone was brilliant. I was shocked at where I came.

“I couldn’t believe it. It did not sink in for a while. It was brilliant because most of my family were there to support me, like they always are.”

Sam is still singing and dancing with Julie Williams at the K-School of Music and will be performing in a few shows. But she has also been signed up by Bee's Knees Records.

“I was spotted by them at Swindon Talent,” said Sam.

“I have had a photo shoot, had some publicity cards made, we are looking at making a CD and I have started to get some work from them.

“They seem to be really interested in me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

As for the name change, Sam said she decided that since she was embarking on a new venture, why not go for a new name.

“I wanted one that would stick and people would remember,” she said.

“ I had a long list of names and it was my dad who came up with the name Samantha Maybee. I have not had it changed by deed poll, it’s just my stage name.”

Sam has been gigging regularly and she hopes to one day release her own song and CD.

As for Swindon Talent 09, Sam is firmly backing this year’s competition.

She said: “It’s a brilliant idea. It was a brilliant experience for me also. It was the best thing I have ever done because I got a good result and was spotted.

“I will definitely be supporting the competition this year. There is a lot of talent in Swindon. It’s great that there is this opportunity for people of all ages to show theirs. It gives everyone a chance.

“There is loads of talent in Swindon. This is a great opportunity, you just have to go for it.

“I wasn’t going to enter but my mum persuaded me and it’s the best thing I have ever done. My advice is go and enjoy it, be yourself and have a blast – that’s what it's all about.”

Show us what you can do

SO have you got what it takes to win Swindon Talent 09? If so we want to hear from you.

Swindon Talent 09, run by the Adver, Swindon 105.5 and Swindon Arts Centre, will give the town’s top entertainers a chance to show off what they can do at a number of heats throughout the summer.

There are two more heats of the competition, at the Old Town Festival on Sunday, June 28, and the Caribbean Carnival on Saturday, July 11. Although spaces for entries are limited there are a few left.

Entertain us on stage for five minutes with music, dance, comedy – anything entertaining, and you could be in with a shout of making the finals of Swindon Talent 09 at the Swindon Arts Centre on Saturday, August 8.

We’ve got some great prizes lined up, including an opportunity for three artists to appear at the Mayor of Swindon’s charity show at the Wyvern Theatre in January.

To enter the heats at the Old Town Festival or the Caribbean Carnival, then complete the application form printed in the Swindon Advertiser and send it directly to the organisers. But please hurry.

If you are too late then we have organised a fourth open heat at Commonweal School in Old Town on Thursday, July 16 from 4.30pm. You don’t need to book in advance, but simply turn up and perform.

The best artists from each of the heats will go forward to the prestigious finals.

There is no age limit to performers but entrants must not earn a living from the entertainment business, and organisers can refuse entry if the performance has health and safety issues.

Normal Newsquest rules apply.