CELINE Dion and Shania Twain eat your heart out... Blackpool Pleasure Beach has its own talent brewing in the form of fallen Pop Idol wannabe, Emma Dane.

Millions of people across the UK tuned in last Saturday to watch the 19-year-old university student, who lives in Preston, singing her rendition of Mariah Carey's 'Hero'.

The song was dedicated to her big brother and real life 'Hero', Jason, 21, a soldier who is currently out serving in Basra, Southern Iraq.

Unfortunately Jason, who serves with the King's Own Regiment, was called out on 24-hour guard duty shortly before his sister -- who is one half of the Pleasure Beach Beaver Creek singing duo -- was due to appear on screen.

And sadly Emma was pipped to the post by fellow wannabes Michelle McManus and Chris Hide after failing to secure enough audience votes to make it through to the next stage.

But despite earning a lashing from acid-tongued judge -- Simon Cowell -- Emma has vowed to continue in her quest to find fame and fortune in honour of her mum, Tina, who suffers from a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis.

Emma said: "Ever since I was a little girl I've loved the likes of Celine Dion, Eva Cassidy and Shania Twain for their talent and individualism.

"But the person who inspires me most is my mum. She's been ill for quite a long time but I've never seen her be anything but brave and cheerful about her situation.

"She's always encouraging me to go for my dreams and has driven me to loads of auditions without any complaints.

"Obviously I was very disappointed to not get through to the next stage of the contest and, although Nikki, Foxy and Pete Waterman were really nice, Simon Cowell was quite rude to me.

"But there was some amazing voices there and I felt really privileged to be performing alongside so much fantastic talent, so my confidence hasn't taken a knock at all. I wish Michelle and Chris the very best of luck for the future. They've got the talent and now they have the chance, they should seize it.

"But that doesn't mean Pop Idol has seen the last of me yet!

"Already I've got plans to take part in the next series and my brother has promised to fly me out to the states to take part in American Idol.

"So far I haven't looked into whether I would qualify for it because I'm not an American citizen but if there's one thing mum's taught me it's to grit my teeth and keep trying.

"I'm determined to prove to them that I am serious about making it as a singer."