Drumsurn teenager wows the nation and Princess Kylie to advance in The Voice

The Voice star Rachael O’Connor has spoken of her joy after making it through to the next round of the popular BBC singing competition.

On Saturday night, viewers saw the 16 year-old Drumsurn teenager make her television debut at the blind auditions of the show.

Her moving rendition of Emeli Sandé’s ‘Clown’ had three out of the four judges turn their chairs. 

Former Black Eyed Peas singer Will.i.am, who didn’t turn around for the Limavady Grammar School pupil, clearly regretted his decision.

“I’m a fool. I should have turned around,” the American star told Rachael immediately after her performance.

After ‘rain dancing’ around her chair, pop princess Kylie Minogue said: “You are what I was just dreaming of hearing and then seeing.

“You were so moving, touching… the purity of your voice. It was a beautiful song choice. I would love to work with you, that is all I am saying.”

Music legend Sir Tom Jones told the north Derry teen that she sounded “original”.

“As young as you are, you’ve already found yourself,” he said.

Kaiser Chiefs’ frontman Ricky Wilson also commended the pretty teenager saying: “That was really, really good. Your confidence on stage just poured over my chair like a tidal wave.”

Speaking to DerryNow.com about the moment the she faced the judges, sixth form student Rachael said: “When I came to the last line of the song, I thought ‘oh no, they haven’t turned around’ however when they did I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I was grinning from ear to ear.”

See tomorrow's County Derry Post for a full, in-depth interview with the rising star.