Talented local singer Roshani Priddis will face the biggest audience of her youthful career when she sings on Channel 10 reality show Australian Idol tonight.

Roshani’s proud mum Narelle told The Leader she hopes the city gets behind the former Tamworth High School student.

Narelle Priddis said singing was her daughter’s dream.

“She just shines on the stage,” Ms Priddis said.

“Her real love is soul and blues, but she can sing anything.”

“She started singing from a very young age.”

Many Tamworthians would remember Roshani, who often performed locally as a student of John Muller.

She sang at the Schools Spectacular several times, and was chosen to sing at the Sydney Opera House after her HSC music performance.

Roshani, who celebrated her 21st birthday last month, currently lives in Sydney. Since leaving Tamworth she has travelled abroad and spent time studying music. She has spent time performing in China.

“She’s working in banking to pay the bills,” Ms Priddis said.

She shelved plans to tour China again in favour of attending an Idol audition in Sydney.

So far, Roshani’s gamble appears to have paid off, with her winning through to the round of 24 singers.

Half of the current crop will go through to the final round of competition.

“We have just got to try and get people behind her,” Ms Priddis said.

Roshani should know later this week if she’s been successful.

Roshani is competing in a group of six tonight, and this is the first night that telephone votes from the public can help her to stay in the competition.