Talented Waihi mum makes Top 12

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Waihi local Sarah Spicer has proven she belongs on stage after making the Top 12 contestants in New Zealand's X Factor last night.

"I'm so excited, I cant believe I got this far. I'm really excited to show New Zealand what I've got" Sarah told the Bay of Plenty Times.

While resting her voice after rehearsals and relaxing in a hotel room, Sarah looked back on her X Factor journey so far.

"It's been so much fun. There's so many great people and the people here are so talented."

The Waihi mum of two said she's taking this opportunity and doing it for her kids, her partner and family and friends.

Before she graced the New Zealand stage, Sarah spent 9 years living in San Francisco where she said she was "never stuck for a gig".

"I learnt my chops over there as a singer. I dove into the blues scene and met some pretty famous people."

Along with owning a locksmith business with her partner, she also nannied and bartended, saying, "I did whatever I could" to keep her music dream alive while overseas.

Sarah said her artistic gene ran close in her family with her mum playing piano, her three brothers talented on the guitar and her dad sharing the singing bug.

Her advice to other Kiwi's aspiring to become musicians was to never stop bettering your craft.

"Never stop believing what you can do. Walk through those doors with opportunities - any open doors are opportunities."

Looking towards the show's live performance on Sunday she's ready to prove she has the X Factor.

"I'm ready to pull the big guns out and do the best I can."