But for Demelza Reveley, it was a natural progression.

Tonight, the 16-year-old Keiraville student will face the public vote against Sydney's Alexandra Girdwood in a live final at Luna Park.

If Demelza wins, she will receive a year's representation by Priscilla's modelling agency, a trip to New York, a contract with Napoleon Perdis cosmetics, a fashion shoot with Australian Vogue and a new car.

And if she loses?

"Well, I am hoping that I do (win) and I am not thinking past that," Demelza said.

"I want to continue school regardless of the outcome of the show.

"It is really a cutthroat industry and it depends on how your career goes but the way I feel about it is if you are willing to put the effort in and willing to work hard enough for it, you will do well."

Demelza, a student at The Illawarra Grammar School, took her first performing steps at the Wollongong Eisteddfod, which was also the training ground for Anthony Warlow and Australian Chamber Orchestra director Richard Tognetti.

"I was quite dramatic when I was younger and that was something I wanted to do and I still do that actually," she said.

"Modelling was more like a last-minute thing that I thought about doing and I was lucky enough that I tried out and got in."

The live final airs tonight on Fox8 from 7.30pm.

To vote for Demelza to win, send her name via SMS to 1999FOX8. SMS votes will be charged at 55c a vote