PALIN MITENK BLOG

By Daily Mail Reporter

End of the dream: Dani Rayner, 16, wipes her eyes after being eliminated from BBC show Over The Rainbow


The youngest hopeful competing in Over The Rainbow had her dreams dashed tonight, as she was eliminated from the BBC1 show.

Dani Rayner, 16, hung up her ruby slippers after her hopes of starring as Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz ended.

Dani found herself in the sing-off against fellow hopeful Danielle Hope when the pair received the fewest public votes following their performances.

After they took to the stage again, singing Maybe This Time from Cabaret, Lord Lloyd-Webber used his casting vote to save Hope.

Addressing the finalists, he said: 'This is not just a singing contest. This show is about getting the whole package together, not just singing.

'Can we believe in you, can you really move and feel the music?'


She's off: Her fellow Dorothy's say goodbye to Dani, after her rendition of Beyoncé's one night only failed to save her


Despite her elimination, Dani said she had 'really enjoyed' opening the show, which came after 'a really hard week' of rehearsals for the big group numbers.

The Cheshire teenager, who was the first to perform her version of Beyonce's One Night Only, added: 'It's been a difficult night but I'm really pleased with the whole experience in general - I really enjoyed it.'

Her efforts drew praise from panellist John Partridge who said the youngster had given her 'strongest performance to date'.


Heading home: Graham Norton comforts the 16-year-old


And Charlotte Church said she had 'given it everything', adding: 'Your voice gets nasal sometimes so be careful, listen as the note is coming out. It's only occasionally, other than that it was great.'

But Sheila Hancock said she had not quite understood what the song was about.

While Dani will not be following the yellow brick road to Oz, she insisted she had not given up on a possible West End career.

'I have been living the dream for the past couple of months,' she said.


Still smiling: Dani said she has learnt skills which she hopes to use in the future


'It has to come to an end at some point but I have learnt so much and I hope I can use it in the future.'

In the meantime the teenager, who temporarily put her studies on hold, said she was considering a return to her books.

'I'm meant to be sitting my AS-levels in May but I have missed quite a lot of school,' she said.

Dani had been due to take exams in politics, English literature, French and art this summer but missed part of her course owing to the TV contest


Back to school: Dani plans on concentrating on her upcoming AS levels


Despite this, she remained confident she could catch up.

'It's definitely an option to go back and get them done,' she said. 'I had taken all my books to London so I think I might sit them or see what's around the corner.'

Asked who she would like to see land the role of Dorothy, she heaped praise on all the remaining contestants.

But she singled out 21-year-old Steph Fearon for her 'amazing talent', adding:'"I would love her to go really far.'


source: dailymail