In 2002, Jamie Tinkler entered the British qualifying competition for Eurovision Song Contest and was part of Level Best, chosen as one of four finalists alongside Surf 'n' Turf, Tricia Penrose and Pop Idol contestant / finalist Jessica Garlick. Jamie Tinkler performed with Level Best the song "Every Step of the Way" written by Graham Kearns and Howard New. Garlick won by 70% of the votes. Tinkler and Level Best finished third.
In ''Pop Idol''
In 2003, he applied to series 2 of Pop Idol reaching the qualifying semi-finals but did not make it to the final 12 of the competition.
In 2003, Jamie Tinkler became a member of the band Pop! composed of Glenn Ball, Hannah Lewis, and Jade McGuire in addition to Tinkler. The group was put together in the summer of 2003 when they were signed by Pete Waterman. Pop! released three singles on the Sony/BMG record label, including "Heaven and Earth", "Can't Say Goodbye" from 2004 and "Serious" in 2005. Pop! disbanded in early 2005.
After one year from split up of Pop!, Jamie joined in 2006 the boy band Avenue that was applying for The X Factor. The group consisted of Max George, Jonathan Lloyd, Scott Clarke, Ross Candy and Jamie Tinkler himself. This was Tinkler's third major competition experience after having taken part in Eurovision qualifications and Pop Idol three years earlier. They auditioned by singing an a cappella version of "Leave Right Now", a song by Will Young. Avenue made it through bootcamp landing in the final four in Louis Walsh's category. But after Walsh discovered that Jonathan Lloyd, Jamie Tinkler, Max George, Scott Clarke and Ross Candy were already on a management deal, he disqualified them from the competition, giving Eton Road a chance instead. The band decided to go on with their musical career, Tinkler however said that he was opting out of the project and would not continue with Avenue. He was replaced by Andrew Brown.
2014–present
It was announced that Avenue would be returning after four years on hiatus, with the following members Jonny Lloyd, Ross Candy and Scott Clarke. Instead, Tinkler joined in an indie rock band named Baxter, through Baxter guitarist Steve Keegan.
