Belting out a One Direction tune has sealed the deal for one of Timaru's The X Factor NZ hopefuls.

Timaru teen Bailey Dunnage, 16, has impressed selectors at the talent show's pre-auditions with his rendition of Little Things, by One Direction.

His efforts have secured him a flight to Auckland to sing in front of a panel of four judges, including Brit Award winner Daniel Bedingfield and multi-platinum recording artist Stan Walker.

Bailey, who attended the Timaru pre-auditions at West End Hall two weeks ago, was surprised when he got the call.

"I couldn't believe it to begin with. I was pretty excited that I get to go to Auckland."

Bailey sang Brother by Matt Corby before he was asked by producers to sing Little Things by The X Factor UK winners, One Direction.

Now he is perfecting his rendition of Small Bump by Ed Sheeran, which the show's producers have asked him to sing for the panel.

Bailey auditioned for New Zealand's Got Talent last year, but did not get in. Now he is hoping The X Factor NZ will give him a second chance at fame, doing what he loves.

Bailey, who started singing when he was 10, is the director of the Timaru Glee Club. He also has singing lessons and loves performing in productions.

He plans to further his singing and acting career at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art when he finishes school.

"I've had that set in my mind for quite a while now - since I started high school."

However, he would be happy if The X Factor NZ disrupted those plans.

"It depends on what happens with X Factor. I might not even need to go to NASDA."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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