A singer from Northern Ireland has caught the eye of the judges and made it through to the next round of the Voice UK.
Derry lifeguard Jack McGee (20) took to the ITV stage on Saturday night and wowed judges with a rendition of the Coldplay classic Yellow.
Jack dedicated the song to his grandfather, while his proud family watched on from the wings.
The performance was enough to turn the chair of legendary Welsh star Tom Jones, who pressed his red buzzer as the audience applauded McGee.
Jones told Jack he thought he had “detected a little Irish” in his voice.
Jack McGee. Pic: Lifted Entertainment
“I thought you made a lovely sound,” he said.
“I thought there was lot of character in that voice. I really enjoyed it, so that’s why I turned.”
Fellow judge LeAnn Rimes said the 20-year-old had a “really interesting voice”, while the show’s first duo coaches Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones said they were “thrilled” he got through.
“A voice like yours should not be wasted,” they added.
Asked by Will.I.Am why he had selected the song, Jack said he thought it had a “really deep meaning” to it.
“It’s a really nice song to sing as well,” he added.
Before his performance, Jack told viewers he had first started singing at just six years old.
“My mum and dad couldn’t believe it, they were wondering where I got the singing skills from because they can’t sing,” he said.
“I’d absolutely love to become a singer. This is something I’ve never done before. My dream feels like it’s coming closer.”
It comes after Jack told this newspaper he had taken to TikTok during the Covid-19 lockdown in order to build his career as a singer.
“One of the workers from The Voice UK saw my TikTok cover and messaged me to do an audition,” he said.
“I couldn’t believe it because it is a show I have loved watching with the family since I was a kid.
“It was a dream of mine to audition for something like this ever since I was a kid, I absolutely loved singing and The Voice UK is such a brilliant show for singers.
“I love all the judges. It was a very nerve-wracking but an incredible experience.”
Tom Jones
Encouraging people to tune in and looking to the future, he said: “My granda Mal always told us whatever role we do or take in this lifetime, just go ‘make it happen’.
“So, Mal, this one’s for you… let’s make it happen.
“I want to sing in the future and be able to write songs. It’s always been my dream, let’s hope one day [it can happen].”
Jack was also congratulated by his former college, North West Regional College on their Facebook page.
“What a voice!” they said.
“Our former Tourism student Jack McGee will team up with legend Tom Jones who turned for him on The Voice UK tonight!
“Well done Jack,” they added.