MOUNT COMPASS - Mount Compass resident Kristal Collins is on her way to singing stardom after winning the SA Council for Country Music Senior Champion of Champions for 2008 award on July 19.

Kristal was named Champion of Champions at an awards ceremony held at the Slovenian Club in Dudly Park and her prizes include a trip to Norfolk Island to compete against people from all over Australia and New Zealand, and also a guest appearance at the Buttercup Show Case in Tamworth in 2009.

She took out the award in the junior section in 2006 and in her first year in the senior division won over three other finalists.

The young performer has also just returned from a six-day stint at the Tamworth Camerata Country Music Schools for Young Performers.

Kristal was the only SA representative out of 21 who travelled to Tamworth, where they took part in tutorials, workshops, rehearsals, and performances through expert instruction and mentoring from respected music industry professionals.

"It went really well, it was great fun," Kristal said.

"The graduation concert was a definite highlight."

She made some great friends on the trip and had the chance to play with some of the industry’s best.

Kristal said the days were very long and they were worked hard, but she was lucky enough not to get sick like many of the others.

"It was long days, we started at 8:30am and went to 11 at night.

"I really got stuck into my Vitamin C and I didn't get sick so was pleased."

Kristal says she will now apply to study at the Tamworth School of Country Music for 2009.

"You have to apply so I have been working on my application," Kristal said.

"You only get one chance at it so it's very intense."

"Working in Camerata I had the support from others and I know and feel in my heart that I'm ready to take the next step."

Kristal, who describes her style as "contemporary country with a bit of country-pop and rock" is currently studying music at TAFE SA.

She is also recording an album that will be released later in the year.

To find out more about Kristal, including when she is performing and to listen to her music, visit www.myspace.com/kristalcollins.