TWO Warrington musicians have caught the eye – and ear – of a major record label as part of their auditions for Open Mic UK.

As previously reported, George Young, from Old Hall, and Greg Dixon, from Orford, have entered the biggest online search for British artists which has this year gone virtual due to the pandemic.

The latest round saw a video of their performance of Wayfaring Stranger aired to judges on Thursday.

It instantly made an impression and the duo were picked out by a talent scout for Polydor Records – part of Universal Music Group – to proceed to the next round.

Every year more than 10,000 musicians enter the competition and it is understood there are now just 150 bands and artists remaining.

However, the format of the next round is up in air. The provisional plan is for George and Greg to take part in live shows in April if restrictions allow. This will be reviewed in February.

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The pair – who perform under George's name – met about three years ago at The Lounge (now Post House) in Springfield Street at an open mic night that former St Gregory's student Greg was hosting.

George, a former Great Sankey High student, said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. The show we were in last night had some really strong competition – the judges and host mentioned that it was one of the best they'd had.

"They announced the first 4 out of 6 that were going through and my head started sinking, then Leon Haynes from Polydor started talking about harmonies and referring to more than one person.

"Being the only duo I knew they were talking about us, so I lost it and just immediately started screaming and cheering. I knocked my chair over and started jumping on the bed!

"But yeah the hard work starts now. We've got a lot to work on and we are going see this show out until the end."

Greg added: "I'm absolutely buzzing. Our clip was quite rough and ready compared to the rest so having the time and idea where to go next is interesting – and to be picked personally by Polydor reps is surreal in itself."