Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

A TEENAGER with stars in his eyes is determined to make it big so he can change his mum's life forever.

Marcus Costi, 14, saved up his pocket money to buy a guitar in March and taught himself how to play.

And now the inspirational youngster has won a place in the semi-finals of Open Mic – a UK-wide music competition for singers and solo artists of all ages.

The Addington High pupil beat hundreds of hopefuls in the first round of auditions in Guildford last Saturday to make it through to the next stage.

He wowed the judges with his acoustic interpretation of Justin Bieber's One Time.

His mum Stella, 39, said: "I'm so proud of Marcus – I had tears in my eyes when he auditioned.

"He has always wanted to be famous and always been one of those kids that says 'mum when you get older I'm going to look after you'.

"He always says he never wants us to worry about money and not be able to go out and have fun because we don't have any.

"He saved up all his pocket money and earned more from me by doing lots of housework and gardening so he could buy his guitar as quickly as possible."

The prizes for the competition winner include £50,000 and a record deal.

Stella added: "This is his dream – I know he definitely wants this and he's a good boy so I want to help him as much as I can."

Marcus is not only passionate about music though – he also adores his school.

When his family moved to Chaldon Way, Coulsdon, a year ago, it meant he would have to take three buses and a tram to make it in every morning.

But Marcus is so loyal to his friends and teachers, he has been happily making the hour-long journey each morning and evening.

He said: "I love my school – I'd never leave because of my friends. My music teacher Miss [Krissi] Carter is really good too.

"I was quite nervous at the audition but I thought to myself 'if I don't do it I'm not going to get anywhere'.

"I love music because it gives me a way to express myself and speak out.

"I want to travel the world and become famous – Michael Jackson is my idol because he started at a young age too and everyone will remember his music forever.

"It's a big dream of mine to be able to provide for my family and look after my mum."

Marcus is still deciding which song to perform at the semi-finals in October.