The Voice Of Ireland

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The pressure is on!

Last night we feasted our eyes on week four of The Voice Of Ireland. With just one round of Blind Auditions to go, the contestants just keep on getting louder, while those last notes just keep on getting longer.

There are now just three places remaining to join team Kian, and two places on offer for the other three coaches. It is hardly surprising that the contestants are now using every trick in the book.

Alan Lawlor from Westmeath gave a sensational performance of Michael Bublé's hit Everything last night, leading Sharon, Kian and Brian to turn around (shame on your Bressie). I have no doubt that the full-time musician employed by the Irish Defence Forces, will be marching right on through to the final. Alan recently played the clarinet at the inauguration of the new President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and also for the Queen's visit to Ireland.

After getting over the shock that Claire O' Loughlin wasn't related to Scarlett Johansson in some way, she impressed me with her beautiful rendition of Alone. This stay-at-home mother is a star in the making. It was a pity that her cousin Olivia Luc who also auditioned didn't get through to enjoy the experience wth Claire. Watch this space!

I instantly warmed to Pat Byrne who sang Bruce Springsteen's The River (and by the looks of it I wasn't alone). At the moment he is doing a youth work course in Carlow and teaches drums and guitar part-time. For the last five years Pat has been making a living from singing in pubs around the country. With all four coaches turning their chairs eager to grab the 21-year-old for their team, I suspect it won't be long until Pat sees his name in lights!

Fauve Chapman from Portmarnack in Dublin took part in series six of You're A Star and came sixth, and last night she managed to win over Sharon Corr. It came as no surprise that she grew up around music, as she seems to be natural born performer. Her stripped down version of Wonderwall gave me chills.

At just eighteen years of age, Graham Dowling's stage presence was undeniable. Kian reckons that he is the "best rock male vocalist," in the competition so far, and I have to agree with him. His version of Come Together was fun, interesting and had a welcomed bit of personality. I look forward to seeing Graham again in the battle rounds.

Kevin Keeley from Tallaght picked an usual song with Travellin' Soldier, but his decision paid off. Kevin is no stranger to performing and has appeared as an extra and had small roles in Badly Drawn Roy for the BBC and a short film called Summer Valley Road. I have a feeling Kevin may be the dark horse of the competiton. Another good find for team Sharon.

It's almost crunch time. Who do you think will make it past the battle rounds?

Laura Delaney