A Co Armagh singer and harpist has moved Ronan Keating to tears with her talent.
Teenager Niamh Noade stepped on The Voice Kids stage on Saturday night for blind auditions and within four seconds, the Irish judge pressed the red button to turn.
For 14-year-old Niamh from Lislea, who performed The Winner Takes It All by ABBA, it’s a dream come true.
Read more: NI schoolgirl hoping to turn more than heads with talent on The Voice Kids
The third year St Paul's student said: “When I got through to the blind auditions, and I heard who the judges were, I really wanted Ronan to turn – when he did it felt amazing."
Now in its 7th series, The Voice Kids judges this season feature Will.i.am, Danny Jones and Pixie Lott, alongside Irish Pop star Keating.
Pixie Lott and Danny Jones also turned for Niamh. Ronan was captivated by Niamh’s performance - jumping to his feet he exclaimed: “Wow showstopper, my favourite moment on The Voice Kids, ever.”
He added: “It was just mesmerising… I had tears in my eyes, it was so moving, so beautiful, I’m such a fan.”
Pixie Lott praised Niamh's timing and called the performance “elegant” and” magical”, with Danny Jones highlighting her “stunning voice".
The NI teen described her musician dad Malachy as her inspiration, explaining she’s played the harp for four years but only started singing and playing the harp during lockdown.
The teen, now part of #teamRonan, joins other hopefuls to take part in the Battle Round on 15th July – where only one member of each judges’ team goes forward into the final.
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 Co Armagh teen said: “The experience of the previous competitions has really helped me to feel a bit more assured on stage. I’ve written and recorded a few of my own too which I feel has added to my confidence."
Before this weekend’s Battle, Ronan Keating will spend time with all the acts vying for a place on Team Ronan, guiding the young artists through their vocal and stage performances.
The winner will be awarded a family holiday to Orlando.
Niamh Noade takes part in The Battle Rounds on Saturday 15th July on ITV at 7.30pm.
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