JESSICA Mauboy has ditched her school uniform and gone for a sexier look.

The teenager has put her Year 12 studies on hold to tour full-time with the Young Divas.

"Growing up, I've always had this image in mind,'' says Mauboy, who was runner-up on Australian Idol last year. "But I'm still the same, smiley, happy Jess.

"I like this look. It's cute and sweet, but sassy.''

Mauboy is the new kid on the block with the Young Divas, joining the group after Ricki-Lee Coulter left to pursue a solo career.

The all-girl group released a second album of covers yesterday, putting their modern stamp on dance tunes such as If I Can't Have You, Jump, I'm So Excited and Turn Me Loose.

At just 18, Mauboy didn't know some of the songs, which were hits before she was born.

"Some of the songs were so old I had no idea about them,'' she says. "I'm looking forward to introducing the songs to everybody out there.''