A 22-year-old East Finchley singer who dreamed of becoming the nation's next pop superstar had her hopes dashed on Saturday.

Nicola Thomas, of Elmhurst Crescent, appeared on ITV1's Pop Idols programme performing a cover version of Ce Ce Peniston's Finally.

But judge Simon Cowell, head of A&R at RCA records, described her performance as "boring" before telling her she had chosen the wrong song.

Nicola eventually came fifth in the TV competition aimed at discovering pop stars. Viewers vote for their favourites, whittling down the field. Nicola, this time round at least, was unsuccessful.

November 12, 2001 12:39