Looking back on the last 12 months there is no denying that it has been a crazy year for former Stockton Riverside College student Kerrianne Covell.

Making it through to judge’s houses on The X Factor certainly set the budding starlet’s singing career in an upward spin.

Now, after months honing her skills, performing live all over the country, the 24-year-old has signed a new management deal that will see her reach an international audience.

Signed to RU Listening, Kerrianne will spend the next month in Dubai, performing at a string of live gigs, working with RU Active Sports Services, and developing as an artist.

“It’s absolutely crazy,” said Kerrianne, who made time in her hectic schedule for a quick catch up with us here at Stockton Riverside College. “I am excited to get started and I am ready to work really hard.”

No stranger to live performances, the former Performing Arts student has sung to audiences big and small. But, she said: “I have never gigged in a different country.”

When it comes to somewhere like Dubai, she added: “It is a place where so many people go; you never know who is going to be watching.”

One thing is for sure, it can’t be as daunting as standing in front of The X Factor judges, Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh, not to mention the 6,000 member audience at Wembley Arena.

“The X factor was an amazing experience,” said Kerrianne, who picked up a loyal fan base following her appearance on the show.

While ultimately disappointed not to make it to the live shows, she can’t help but wonder if her departure came at the right time.

“I was devastated that I didn’t go through,” she said. “But it left people wanting more.”

Looking back she firmly believes she took a lot from the experience.

“When I did gigs before, I used to struggle with what to say to the audience, whereas now it comes a lot more naturally,” she said.

The reception she receives from audiences has also seen a significant shift.

“Before The X Factor, at a lot of the gigs I did, people weren’t coming to see me,” she said. “To perform and have people not watch is the most disheartening thing.”

Today, she said, all that has changed: “People are there to see me. It is lovely. The support I’ve had is incredible.”

So with auditions for this year’s show now underway, would Kerrianne ever consider another attempt at The X Factor title?

“It is such a massive programme,” she said. “It has changed my life completely. I have gained supporters from all over the world from it being aired on TV.”

However, now working under the same management as fellow Teesside singer Samantha Durnan – who incidentally performed live at Stockton Riverside College’s Progression Fair last year – for the moment, Kerrianne said, she is happy to work hard and see what opportunities come her way.