LONDON, UK (BPI) - Lily Mackenzie-Lynam, a year 13 student at The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, is set to release a single on Def Jam after US urban star Ne-Yo picked her song as the winner in a competition to uncover the UK's best up and coming urban song-writing talent.

After running launching the nationwide search with The Sun, EMAP TV (Kiss) and The BRIT School, Lily's song "Slowly But Surely" was shortlisted by Def Jam alongside entries from twelve other up-and-coming songwriters - all of whom who attended a song writing masterclass with Ne-Yo at Covent Garden's Pineapple Dance Studios yesterday.

Impressed with the song writing talent on show, Ne-Yo said: "I was kinda hoping you'd all suck at this so I could pick a winner more easily. But you're all so damn good, this is going to be really difficult..."
But Lily's song emerged as the winner, and "Slowly But Surely" is now set to be professionally recorded and released on Def Jam digital later this year.

Hannah Neaves from Def Jam said: "This was a great opportunity for Ne-Yo to do what he does best - write songs and interact with fans. Everyone had a fantastic day and both Ne-Yo and Def Jam are looking forward to releasing the winning track."

Tony Castro, BRIT School Head of Music said: "It's hugely satisfying to have seen Lily become such a gifted performer and songwriter in her time at the BRIT school. She's a real talent - we're delighted that she's won and with such a distinctive and unique sound we expect her to go on achieve great things."

Lily said: "It was great to get the chance meet Ne-Yo. He's so down to earth and gave us all really good advice. I'm made up that he's picked my song and I can't wait to put the record out."
Lily's debut single Hit Dirt is out now on vinyl; visit: http://www.myspace.com/lilyuk for more information.