THE LIMERICK lady with the voice that grabbed the attention of a rock and roll legend and a rap king is out of the running in The Voice UK, but says she gave it everything despite the odds.
Kilcolman’s own Niamh Nolan had Tom Jones and will.i.am both competing to have her on their side after her debut performance on the UK talent show. In a tense showdown, she opted to work under the mentorship of the Black Eyed Peas rapper.
Sadly will.i.am could only take two of his chosen three three acts on to the semi-finals, leaving the Limerick songbird out in the cold but standing strong with the support of her family, friends, and county behind her.
Speaking about the experience on Facebook, Niamh told followers all about her rollercoaster brush with fame before experiencing a frustrating chest infection in the run-up to her performance.
“There we have it. My voice experience nicely wrapped up in two weeks.
“I was battling a screaming chest infection to the point where flights had to be altered to let me recover some bit, so I knew my performance was never going to be 100%.
“My body had started to shut down on me and all I wanted was the first flight home to my mammy.
“I could never begin to list the things that the Voice UK has given to me. But at the top of that list would be Friends 4 LIFE. Team Will was brimming with goodness and realness.
Niamh’s friends, family, and growing fanbase rushed to congratulate her.
“You did yourself, Limerick, and Ireland proud, what a life achievement,” one commenter said.
“You must be heard again. Your voice has depth I’ve never heard before. You will be heard by millions again,” another added.
Going out on a high note, Niamh told followers:
“I am an Irish woman, I’m a very proud Irish woman and if I can prove to one person out there that no matter how small of a place you come from, you can do big things, then I’ve done my job.
“Níl sé ach in a thus.”
