A WANNABE pop star brought up in Huddersfield gets his big break tonight.
Paul Grant, who grew up in Birkby, hopes his performance on Stars In Their Eyes will resurrect a pop career which bloomed and quickly faded in the early 90s.
Paul, 38, released a reggae song under the name Grant I'Asher in 1993.
It was well received in clubs, but Paul's pop career never took off and he is now a warehouseman in Croydon, south London.
His stardom bid tonight hinges on his performance as American soul as R & B legend Luther Vandross.
Vandross, who grew up in Harlem, sang backing vocals on David Bowie's Young Americans album.
He also produced albums for Aretha Franklin and had hits with Here and Now and Never Too Much.
Paul, who went to schools in Birkby and to Fartown High School, said: "I think his voice is unique. I am such a big fan of his. He's my icon.
"It will be tremendous to appear in the show tonight. I am dedicating my song to Lloyd Peart and Winston Donaldson, two friends from Huddersfield who died recently."
He added: "I never thought I would get on the programme.
"I sent them a demo tape months ago and heard nothing. Then I turned up late for an audition and thought they'd reject me."
Paul, who left Huddersfield for London 15 years ago, has a sister, Hyacinth, and a brother, Michael, still living in his home town.
They and friends will be supporting him on the show - at 6pm on YTV - presented by Cat Deeley.
He's up against singers starring as Leo Sayer, Boy George and Heart vocalist Ann Wilson.
