POP star James Blunt has chosen Bournemouth singer-songwriter Drew Allen as a support act for his November 27 show at the BIC.

The singer made his selection from the Bournemouth Daily Echo and O2 Academy Bournemouth Unsigned campaign on our website bournemouthecho.co.uk/unsigned.

Hundreds of local musicians uploaded their mp3 track and bio on the Unsigned web page. The You’re Beautiful singer was impressed with local musician Drew and his winning track, The Deal.

“There’s something exciting about the music of Drew Allen.

“Sort of a cross between Neil Young and Jake Bugg, with a great deal of honesty thrown into his lyrics,” said Blunt.

Last year, Drew left a career with supercar manufacturer McClaren and moved back to his hometown of Bournemouth to focus solely on music. Since his return, Drew’s song-writing has been prolific and his debut album, Sydney Afternoon has won him universal praise.

Drew recently played at the Purbeck Folk Festival and is a popular fixture on the local music scene with his compelling lyrics and sound.

Playing the BIC with James Blunt will be something special for Drew who told the Daily Echo: “I love people enjoying my music and I’ve watched bands such as The Arctic Monkeys and Bob Dylan perform at the BIC.

“Every time I drive past the venue, I always hope that one day I’ll get to play there.

“James is a special musician and so it’s incredible that I’ll be supporting him. It means the world to me.”

Blunt himself previously enjoyed a distinguished career in the Household Cavalry and got his big break by supporting established names such as Katie Melua and Sir Elton John.

The Bournemouth show will feature songs from Blunt’s latest Moon Landing album, including the hit Bonfire Heart, but he promises there will be tunes from previous records – which have amassed worldwide sales of 20 million – as well.