A BARMAID is to pour her last pint before jetting off to the USA to launch her pop career.

Lucy Lawrence, of Budleigh Crescent, Welling, has been snapped up by producers at the label of Black Eyed Peas frontman Will Adams.

The 22-year-old, who has been singing for nearly 10 years, will fly to Philadelphia to begin work on her first album this weekend.

At the age of 19, she was signed to UK publishing company Perfect Songs, which sent her to the USA to work with songwriters.

It was during this time she met producers Noize Trip, who are signed to the Grammy award- winning Black Eyed Peas singer's own record label, Will.I.Am.

In May last year, Miss Lawrence signed to Noize Trip and will have her contract and career overseen by Mr Adams.

She describes her singing style as "electro 80s pop, punky, a bit like Gwen Stefani" and says it is her dream to tour with J-Lo.

Miss Lawrence said: "I've been singing since I left school. I grew up idolising Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

"I am really excited but I've been waiting for this for so long it's not going to feel real until I'm out there."

The former pupil at St Paul's School, Abbey Wood, is working as a barmaid at The Bricklayer's Arms, Bexleyheath.

She is being managed by her mother, Jacqui McGuigan.

Mrs McGuigan said: "My daughter got where she is through sheer hard work and determination. It's almost like her destiny."

Bricklayer's Arms landlady Jane Bentley said: "She is going to make it, I know she is.

"I'm devastated to lose her but I am excited for her as well."