Western Sydney singer Natalie Colavito, who made it to Australian Idol's top 45 last year, has won the McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge Contemporary Singer of the Year title, but it hasn't been easy.

Colavito won $4000, a recording prize valued at $2500 and a photographic portfolio deal.

The 21-year-old from Wentworthville, who has earned a living from her singing for the past five years, said the competition win had taken "a lot of hard work and energy''.

Last month Colavito also won the Norton Hotel's karaoke competition, which had prizemoney of $10,000.

"I started singing when I was 13 years old and haven't stopped,'' Colavito said.

"Growing up in western Sydney means you have to work harder.

"It's not handed to you on a silver platter, but it definitely has its advantages. It has made me a stronger person and more grounded.''

"I had to earn money to pay for singing lessons.

"I started out performing in shopping centres and must have worked in every RSL in Sydney, and up and down the coast.''

She said that on some weekends she would compete in three competitions.

Colavito is a spirited performer with a powerhouse voice. She sings rhythm and blues, soul, rock, pop and jazz.

She is doing a bachelor degree in contemporary music at the Australian Institute of Music, where she also completed years 11 and 12.

"When I was 13 my cousin heard me singing. She came in and asked if it was me or a CD.

"Two weeks later I was getting singing lessons,'' Colavito said.

"Going to AIM definitely helped in showing the way and giving guidance especially for contemporary singing.

"I used to be very nervous performing live. As a kid I was scared, but as an adult I feel more in control.

"I love it. I have a passion for performance.''