AT 23, Emmie has had a top five single, shared a house with leading boy band N-Sync, embarked on the first steps as a fashion designer -- and now she's heading for Blackburn next week to bring festive cheer to clubgoers everywhere.

The girl who brought you 'More Than This', a dance version of Roxy Music's classic track, will be showcasing her new single 'I Won't Let You Down' at Utopia on Thursday night.

Manchester-born Emmie always knew that she was destined for the limelight, often being the first person to the microphone during karaoke nights.

It was such an evening which led to her big break.

Among those listening to her one night was the manager of The Backstreet Boys. She was looking for a third member of an all-girl group, Solid Harmony, and Emmie fitted the bill.

Soon she was whisked off to America to join the band where she stayed for six months, sharing a villa for a while with N-Sync, including Justin Timberlake, now going out with Britney Spears.

The lure of the North West proved too strong and Emmie returned home to concentrate on writing her own material -- and to enrol on a fashion course at Manchester University.

Her version of 'More Than This' rocketed into the charts.

Bravely she resisted the temptation to concentrate on a singing career until completing her stuides.

Now she's back and has signed to Telstar Records. 'I Won't Let You Down' will be released on February 4, but revellers at Utopia will get the chance to hear it on Thursday.

"I am really looking forward to doing this.," she said. "Playing the clubs gives you a real vibe for the songs."