Singing sensation Pixie Lott described Hull as a "wonderful city, full of enthusiastic music-lovers", when she visited Sirius Academy today to talk to meet hundreds of children.
The chart-topping singer, famous for a string of hits including Mama Do and All About Tonight, was at the Anlaby Park Road South school to support a dance scholarship scheme run by the Italia Conti Academy Theatre of Arts.
Performing arts tutor Pat Dennison, a former student of Bransholme High School who taught Pixie in London, organised the event.
Pixie Lott said: "I am so pleased to be here. Hull is a wonderful city and it is full of enthusiastic music lovers. There is clearly a lot of talent here and the city should be proud of itself.
"I have known Pat for a long time and I absolutely loved her teaching and she choreographed my Kiss The Stars music video. She is great."
Pixie sang her new single in the academy's main hall, before taking part in a Q&A with the children and signing CDs.
"The reaction of the kids was brilliant," she said. "Everyone was excited and I love things like this. It's great to come out and meet the fans."
Pixie even took the time to advise budding pop stars on how to get a big break. She said: "My advice would be to never give up on your dreams. Anyone can achieve anything with hard work. Hard work always pays off.
"Kids should start early with dancing and song writing. I certainly saw a lot of talent in Hull."
Pat Dennison and Italia Conti are hoping to find a new generation of dancing stars in Hull.
She said: "We now have more than 100 kids on our books, which is so much better than we expected. We want to help local kids, teach them the craft and if there are children with dreams help them move forward.
"Getting that big break, especially in Hull, is hard but it is possible."
