HE IS the teenage singing sensation from Southampton who could turn out to be the next Craig David.

Donel Mangena has taken the music world by storm since making what has been described as a "jaw-dropping" debut on the latest series of The Voice UK.

Tonight the 16-year-old from Woolston will experience the greatest moment of his life as he takes part in the eagerly-awaited final.

He is currently favourite to win the ITV singing show, which has already made him a household name.

At least ten members of his family will be in the audience cheering him on after converging on London from Zimbabwe and various parts of the UK, including Sheffield and Manchester.

And millions of viewers across the country will be glued to their TV sets as Donel follows his dreams.

Victory would secure him the £100,000 prize, a deal with Polydor Records and a shot at becoming a global star.

Donel, who has a small studio at his home, is one of four finalists who will be battling it out for the chance of fame and fortune.

His rivals include Lauren Bannon, who lives in Weymouth but grew up in Milford on Sea and went to school in Lymington and Bournemouth.

Lauren, 27, was Milford's carnival queen in 2006 and sang on the village green at a party following the procession.

Her mum Caroline, who still lives in Milford, is reported to have said: "Lauren is enjoying being on The Voice very much although I think it's quite hard work.

"Singing is something she has been doing since she was very little - performing in care homes, restaurants and pubs."

Donel harbours dreams of emulating his heroes - Michael Jackson, Usher and Chris Brown.

After tonight he could find himself following in the footsteps of fellow Southampton singer Craig David, 36, who has had 20 UK top-40 singles and seven UK top-40 albums.

Donel was born in Manchester but moved to Zimbabwe as an infant, returning to the UK in 2007 and settling in Southampton.

He went to St Patrick's Primary School and St George's Catholic School before transferring to Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh, where he is studying English literature, media, and drama.

But much of his time has been taken up with The Voice since he wowed the nation by singing Major Lazer's Cold Water in the blind auditions.

All four judges turned around for Donel - but it was his grandmother Nita who stole the show by running on to the stage and performing a few dance moves of her own.

Nita, 77, has flown over from Zimbabwe to watch tonight's show and is expected to storm the stage again - especially if he wins.

Donel has spent the week in London preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime event that could put him on the road to stardom.

During a brief break in rehearsals he told the Daily Echo: "It's going great - I'm really excited."

The songs he has chosen will stay a closely-guarded secret until tonight's show but Donel said he was "pretty happy" with his selection.

He added: "I hope everyone watching will enjoy my performance.

"I definitely have a chance of winning. It would be a life-changing moment and hopefully give me the career I've always wanted."

Asked why he decided to audition for The Voice he said: "Something told me to.

"It didn't realise it would involve such a lot of work, but it's really cool and exciting. The best things about it are being spotted in public and doing loads of interviews."

If he wins no-one will be more pleased than his family and friends, including his fellow students in Eastleigh.

As the countdown to the contest continued Barton Peveril tweeted: "Good luck Donel, your college is behind you."