HE has made it through the first rounds of BBC show Let It Shine.

Now tonight, Southampton singer Anthony Sahota will be performing with one of the biggest bands in the pop industry - Busted.

"Performing with Busted was amazing," said Anthony, after the show was pre-recorded.

"When I was a child, I styled by hair like Charlie, I used to spike it all up to look like him.

"To find out I was going to be performing with them was a pinnacle moment for me," said the 22-year-old from Basset.

On this evening's episode of Let It Shine each group will collaborate with some of the biggest names in the British pop industry, including Olly Murs and Kaiser Chiefs.

"Busted told me to always stay true to myself and to never give up," he said.

This week's guest judge is Lulu, who collaborated with Take That in the hit single, Relight My Fire.

"The performance is dynamic and exciting, Busted are really professional to work with and to feed off their energy was really cool."

After each performance, judges Lulu, popstar Dannii Minogue, Spandau Ballet singer Martin Kemp and Gary Barlow will choose five boys from each group to become the bands for next week's live shows.

"Gary said he thought I was really talented at that he liked my music, which was amazing," said the former Hampshire Collegiate School student.

When Anthony isn't hitting the high notes, he enjoys flying planes.

The graduate of mechanics has gained his pilot's licence as has been aircrafts since he was 14-years-old.

"I have always enjoyed flying planes, it went hand in hand with my degree," said the former Peter Symmonds student.

Even though Anthony had record deal offers prior to the show, he decided to finish his degree before focusing on his dream of becoming a singer.

"I didn't want to be half-hearted about my degree.

"When I start something I try to give it my all," said Anthony, who was working as a deputy gym manager whilst a student.

The singer said he spent five days a week working on a his degree, then went straight to work at the gym followed by a couple hours in the studio.

Anthony has his mother, Caroline to thank for being on the primetime singing talent show.

She nominated her son after seeing advertisements online, leading to Gary Barlow turning up at his graduation at Kingston University to tell him he would be in the show.

All of the singers are battling for a place to be one of the five men who will star in the Take That Frontman's theatre production.

Anthony said: "Gary Barlow is so humble, for someone who has done so well in his own career. He has always had great things to say about me and advice to give."

Also in the competition and hoping to get chosen to be in the band is former Brockenhurst College student Ryan Butterworth.

The 21-year-old performed a rendition of the U2 classic I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, earning 16 stars.

Ryan, a former Brockenhurst College student, played at the Talking Heads in Southampton last month with guitarist Joe Smith.

Both Anthony and Ryan are hoping to make it through to the final of Let it Shine on February 25.

Let It Shine is on BBC1 this evening at 6.40pm.