A singer-songwriter from Devon was called the ‘real deal’ when all four coaches on The Voice UK turned their chairs for his emotional performance.
Benjamin Haycock, 24, wowed Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Anne-Marie and Olly Murs when he sang an original song, Restlessness, dedicated to his late father on last night's episode.
He was the last contestant on the popular ITV show, which Sir Tom said must be ‘scary as hell’.
Originally from Birmingham, Benjamin said he fell in love with Devon on holidays with his mum and dad and moved to the county where he met and married his wife.
He said it was a risk to sing an original song on the show when most contestants perform covers, but it was one he was willing to take.
Benjamin added that Restlessness was an ‘open letter’ to his dad who died when the singer was just 16.
“I wanted to tell him what I’d been through, where I am now, being married and living in Devon.”
After his stirring performance, which saw him rap as well as sing and play guitar, all four coaches turned their chairs with will.i.am calling Benjamin the ‘real deal’.
Sir Tom said he took it to ‘another level’ while Olly added: “I’d like to break the rules of the show and see you sing your own songs in every round. We all think you’re amazing.”
Benjamin chose Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am to be his mentor on the series.
He took to social media to say: "Wow!! The reaction to my blind audition song has been absolutely insane. Thank you so much for all of your beautifully kind words! They truly mean the world to me. I will do my absolute best to try and get around to all of them in time. I never thought that it would get the kind of response it has!"
The second episode of the series also saw best friends from Cornwall compete.
Jana Bing and Esther Cole, both 21, sang straight after each other – sadly none of the coaches turned their chairs for Jana, though they did tell her to come back again.
However, Olly and Sir Tom turned for Esther, who chose the Welsh legend to be her mentor.
