HER impromptu performance with a busker while on a night out in Leeds led her to become a viral sensation.

"I was on a night out with friends and as we were walking from one end of Leeds to the other we passed a busker," recalls singer, Jade Helliwell.

"We got chatting to him and my friend asked if I could sing with him. He was reluctant at first, but then he let me join him in his performance of 'Hallelujah.' My friend had recorded it on her phone and put it on Facebook. After that the 'straight up Yorkshire' page shared the video and from there it went viral," explains Jade.

On the back of that, Jade was able to track down the busker, Dawid Osial and has since invited him to open a gig she has organised on June 18 at Warehouse 23 in Wakefield.

Following their duet, Jade attracted a following. "People gained interest in my music and began downloading my EP and album I released in 2015 and 2016.

"The EP climbed to number one in the Itunes country charts and number 8 in the Itunes album charts. I was approached by media, talent show scouts and management companies. It's been crazy!" says Jade, who has since signed up with ROAR Global management.

"I'm looking forward to an exciting future with them."

When she isn't singing Jade is busy in her contrasting career - as a classroom assistant working with Year 4 pupils in a primary school.

Jade's interest in singing developed as a child. "I discovered my love for singing when I was around nine years old and I sang on karaoke on a family holiday," she recalls.

"From there I kept singing."

Batley-born Jade performed her first 'real gig' aged 11 at the local rugby club - Batley Bulldogs.

The multi-talented musician taught herself to play the guitar and started writing songs at the age of 19. "And I haven't stopped since," she adds.

While her singing takes her all over the country, she also performs closer to home. "I do lots of gigs around West Yorkshire including Bradford. I also go further afield. Last month I performed in Glasgow, London and Leeds, - all in one weekend!

"I love the connection with an audience when you are singing. Each performance feels like the first time for me, putting emotion into my performance and seeing the audience connect is amazing.

"I love country music, most of my ambitions are to be successful as a country singing and songwriter. I would love to perform at some of the world famous venues in Nashville, such as The Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman Auditorium."

Jade is also conscious of the competitive nature of the music industry - but, so far, she is enjoying the thrill of the ride.

"So far I'm finding it to be fast paced and exciting! Although most people are hearing of me for the first time I've been performing for 15 years," says Jade.

"I’ve had some amazing points in my career so far and also some knock backs. My advice to anybody would be to stick to what you know you want to do in your career and don’t be disheartened by the knock backs. Keep going and keep working at your goal."

Jadie is playing Warehouse 23, Wakefield with support from Dawid Osial and Gary Quinn on June 18. For tickets, and more information visit seetickets.com/event/jade-helliwell/warehouse23/1101126.

On June 29 Jadie is supporting Rupert Stroud at Belgrave music hall, Leeds. Tickets available at rupertstroudmusic.com/product/eplaunch-29th-june-belgrave-leeds and on July 21 UkCountryLive! presents Jade Helliwell at Gullivers, Manchester. Visit wegottickets.com/event/402090