THE countdown is on for Highpoint Star Search hopefuls Olivia Escuyos, Rachael Furolo and Jeremy Boctor.

The trio has four days to perfect their performances ahead of Saturday’s grand final, where they will compete in their age categories to be the best of the West.

And they can’t wait.

Receptionist Jeremy Boctor, 24, is a Star Search veteran, having been in the competition several times, incuding runner-up in 2005 and 2006.

He will go up against Airport West resident Romina Scalise, who beat him in 2005.

“All I want is to not lose to her again,” he said.

Mr Boctor said he had not decided what song he will perform for the grand final but said the Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt classic “I Don’t Know Much, But I Know I Love You” is currently a frontrunner.

Rachael Furolo, 15, will perform a self-composed track called “Something Beautiful”.

Rachael started singing lessons two years ago, but only learned the piano last year.

“It’s really strange to think how far I’ve come,” she said.

“The first audition, I felt so nervous and I thought I did the worst job ever and with every performance I’ve just got more confident.”

Grade 6 student Olivia Escuyos will sing the U2 and Mary J. Blige duet “One” in her first competition.

Olivia, who studies at St John’s Primary School, sings with the Whittlesea community choir and performed at last year’s Carols by Candlelight in Whittlesea.

“She loves concerts and being on the stage singing,” mum Mary-Lou Escuyos said.

More than 150 contestants, aged between three and 52, tried out for the competition.

Singers Anthony Callea and Vanessa Amorosi have been past winners.

The trio will contest Charlotte Warner, Gabby Sparnon, Teressa Pashos, Ai Thi Ngo, Jamie Wills, Paige Webster, Antoinette Iesue, Richelle Boer and Romina Scalise on Saturday.