County Armagh singer/harpist Niamh Noade is taking a leap of faith this weekend as she takes part in ITV’s The Voice Kids.
Fourteen-year-old Niamh from Lislea will step out onto the studio stage this Saturday July 1 for a blind audition, hoping to secure a turn of those infamous red chairs.
Now in its 7th series, The Voice Kids airs on ITV this weekend with Niamh vying for the judges’ attention alongside 40 young hopefuls – already whittled down from thousands.
This year’s panel of judges are Irish pop singer Ronan Keating, Danny Jones of McFly fame, London-born singer songwriter Pixie Lott and American rapper/singer/producer Will.i.am.
Niamh is no stranger to competition, having been a finalist in Teen Star UK, NI BBC Soloist of the Year and most recently was in the final trio in the search for an Irish Junior Eurovision act.
The 3rd year student at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, said: “I love to sing, but I do get nervous sometimes – especially with a national TV show like The Voice Kids. Playing an instrument and singing can be challenging, but I love the harp and I think it makes me stand out.
“I’m hopeful that the experience of the previous competitions has helped my confidence on stage and I’ve love experimenting with contemporary songs.”
In recent years, Niamh has written and recorded a number of her own songs for charity, raising over £7,500 for Cancer Fund for Children, The Irish Children’s Cancer and Help the Homeless.
“I don’t think a singing harpist has ever been on the Voice Kids, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of the judges think it’s worth hitting the red button for. As the Irish judge, I’d love it if Ronan turned around,” said Niamh.
This year’s panel of judges will critique the young performers and guide their teams of selected artists through the remainder of the series – competing against each other for the winning act.
The winner will be awarded a family holiday to Orlando.
Niamh Noade’s blind audition airs on Saturday July 1 on ITV at 7.30pm.
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