She stole the show at this year's Brit Awards, bagged a multi-platinum selling album with her first record and is being tipped to break the States later this year. What more could Natasha Bedingfield want? What's On's Noel Davies found out ahead of her gig at the Guildhall in Southampton tonight...

THERE'S an unmistakable sparkle in Natasha Bedingfield's eyes that exposes the unrelenting hunger that drives her on, a hunger so powerful, it's positively frightening.

"I'm determined to keep the momentum going and to keep focussing on the music," she says with an unequivocal glow to her voice.

"Sometimes, when you get a lot of success, it can change you in a negative way. I want to make sure I stay down to earth, still love the job that I'm doing and still do it for the music and the people," she declares.

It's that same unyielding determination that has gifted Natasha three top ten hits, including a number one with the irresistible hook ladled These Words, and a multi-platinum selling debut album, Unwritten.

Despite never questioning her talent, Natasha does admit she never thought she would become the huge pop star she has.

"I think when you are young you always believe that everything will happen fast, right there and then. When I was young I had big dreams and thought it would all happen really fast, but it actually happened slower than that.

"When it did start to happen though it rapidly went so much further than I ever expected," she reveals.

Now though, Natasha, 22, is more comfortable with her fame and fortune and has big plans for 2005.

"It's potentially looking like a great year," she smiles, her eyes glowing with excitement.

"America is looking very eager to welcome my music. I don't think it's easy for anyone to crack. It's hard enough for American's to, let alone anyone from outside the US!

"Not many people have done it so I'm really ready to give it a shot. The signs are looking good though!"

Arguably much of Natasha's huge success in this country is down to her brother Daniel's massive profile. She admits they are very close, but when it comes to music they have their own agendas.

"Me and Daniel have a really close bond. We support each other rather than compete against each other. He doesn't do any writing or producing for me, but he is always there to advise me.

"We always agreed I should do my own writing and producing so it was never a case of me riding on the back of his fame, but he really has supported me."

The Kiwi-born pop star caps a roller coaster 12 months with her first UK tour, which started on Tuesday. She's promising plenty of great music and songs at tonight's gig at the Southampton Guildhall and even the possibility of a surprise guest

joining her on stage!

"It's going to be all about live music and not about stage props and dancing," she assures.

"I've got a great band and they'll be some great songs. It's not about gimmicks, it's about the music."