A TEENAGER dubbed Britain’s answer to Alicia Keys is preparing for a charity gig supporting Joe McElderry – days after headlining London’s O2 Arena.

Harriet Wigley-Smith, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter who performs under the name Etta Smith, will play at Newcastle City Hall on Saturday at the Keyfund Winter Extravaganza, alongside X Factor winner Joe, from South Shields, South Tyneside.

The charity gig for young people is free, as Keyfund aims to give youngsters a more positive start in life.

It comes a week after the pianist from Coundon, Bishop Auckland, headlined for 2,000 people at the O2 Arena at the finals of Open Mic UK 2010.

Ms Smith, who is also studying her A-levels at Queen Elizabeth College, in Darlington, and works in a cafe in the town, was runnerup in the national competition the previous year.

She said: “Performing at the Open Mic finals was a fantastic experience and made me realise this is where I want to go with my life.

“A lot has changed for me in the last couple of years but I think the main thing is I have developed so much more confidence.”

Her mother, Claire, said: “She has been called Britain’s answer to Alicia Keys, which is very special.

“We’re not deluded, we know how difficult it is to get into the business but she is on her way.

“She’s always sung and played piano since she was eight, there was never any question that this is what she wanted to do with her life.

“Every spare minute she spends working with her record label.”

Ms Smith was signed by London label Baby Girl Music (BGM) last year and in three months she has written 25 songs about everyday life.

Michael King, who runs BGM, said: “She is hardworking, determined, beautiful and one of the most humble people you will ever meet.

“We are very proud of what our girl has been able to achieve in the short few months that she has been with us, a testament to the great work ethic that she has when it comes to her career.”