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Jade, 21, was born in East London and she grew up with her parents – her dad who is Sicilian and her mum whose roots are from Jamaica. Her father was born blind and her mother suffers from Myasthenia Gravis, leaving her partially blind and deaf.

Yet, being the primary carer, and incredibly close to her parents and her younger brother and sister, has given Jade a pragmatic, ambitious outlook on life. From the age of three singing in her grandma's garden, Jade has been determined to turn her musical dreams into reality.

Approached by a drama school who recognised her potential, Jade practiced and rehearsed relentlessly in order to gain one of the precious few scholarships on offer. As a teenage attendee of Sylvia Young Theatre School, London she appeared in many mainstream TV dramas including The Bill and Casualty before perfecting her onstage skills for the role of Nyla in the production of The Lion King, and appearing in Whistle Down The Wind.

For two-and-a-half years she was part of a fledgling girl band called Trinity Stone whose ambitions were to make it as a UK version of Destiny's Child. Unfortunately the band didn't succeed but since breaking up Jade has been even more determined to make it as a solo artist.

Soon after, she was auditioning for ´óÏó´«Ã½ One's Your Country Needs You with five other finalists for the chance to become the UK entry for Eurovision 2009. Jade decided to take part once she learnt that Andrew Lloyd Webber was involved. Her dazzling performance of It's My Time in the final week of the show won her the public vote and the opportunity of representing the UK in Moscow.

Performing It's My Time is just the first note in Jade's musical lifeline. "I see Eurovision as the beginning of the rest of my professional life," says Jade. "You're seeing the start of a 20, 30-year career."

As the song goes, now it's Jade's time and she's determined not to let it go.

Jade's thoughts on Eurovision

What is you favourite Eurovision song?

Gina G's Just A Little Bit.

What would you say makes a good Eurovision song?

Great melodies and lyrics, amazing productions and a great vocalist.

Did you usually watch Eurovision?

Yes, on and off in recent years, more so when I was younger... one of my earliest memories was watching it and dancing in front of the TV when I was really little.

What has the reaction been to the song It's My Time?

Everyone seems to really love it! The other day in Amsterdam I had fans singing along to the chorus and when I hit the big note at the end they screamed so loud I couldn’t hear what I was singing... it was amazing!

Why did you decide to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Because I have always loved music and the competition and what it was all about. I also wanted to help put the UK back on the map.

Tell us about the song you're performing

It's a ballad composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren. It's an emotive and heartfelt performance that I try to deliver as I feel like I can personally relate to every word.

How did you feel when the public voted for you in the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Your Country Needs You?

Overwhelmed! And soooo grateful! It still touches me that people cared enough to call up, vote and change my life. I can't express how much that means to me.

What are your favourite things about Eurovision?

Seeing the different cultures and musical influences. The amazing costumes and characters you come across and, of course, the ability to sing and perform to countries I may have never have had the chance to visit had it not been for the competition.

What is your all-time favourite Eurovision moment?

Seeing Dana International from Israel perform. I loved it!

Why do you think people love Eurovision?

Yes of course! The fans are ruled by it! I have had people from Spain and Bosnia support me even though I am not from their country. I think it's just a real passion for music and it makes them feel good.

What do you think of previous years' winners?

I love Celine Dion. She is one of my idols and knowing her career started with the Eurovision is a huge inspiration for me.

What are your first memories of Eurovision?

Dancing in front of the TV when I was really little with my dad... not sure who was singing but my mum said it was the reason why they decided to get me involved with performing in the first place!