Kyle Kennedy, who featured in last year’s The Voice of Ireland, has said that fans of the show are "in for a real treat" this year.
Kennedy is preparing to return to the National Concert Hall for You Should Be Dancing! A Tribute to the Bee Gees, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on Thursday February 7 at 8pm.
Speaking to RTÉ TEN, the singer said that: “Being on The Voice was a fantastic experience for me. As a professional performer, the national exposure the show offers is incredible.
“It gives a voice that otherwise might only be heard in a pub or at a wedding or on some random stage the chance to be heard all over the country by millions of viewers.
“Kevin Keeley, a fellow honorary Bee Gees singer, was on The Voice as well and did quite well.”
Speaking about this year’s show, he said: “I have seen bits of the show . . . and I am excited for those involved. I have loads of friends competing in it this year and the fact that I know the people I'm watching makes it that much more interesting to me!
“The public is in for a real treat though. The talent of the people I'm close to that are in it is world-class, so this year's The Voice should prove to be a cracker.”
Kennedy added: "I was lucky enough to get the call to do the Bee Gees gig with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra through the musical director, Andy O’Callaghan. We worked together several years ago in the June Rodgers Christmas Show in The Red Cow.
"I suppose he appreciated my work ethic and talent enough to give me the call, but also liked to see me squirm by making me sing the highest harmony part in the Bee Gees gig!
"Luckily, I have always worked on my falsetto to make it stronger . . . just in case a Bee Gees gig ever came along, I guess!"
Kennedy: "I have always worked on my falsetto . . . just in case a Bee Gees gig ever came along!"
He added: "To be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of the Bee Gees before beginning rehearsals, but once we dug in and got down to learning the music, I realised how intricate and incredible their work of body was and still is. Their music really is timeless. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan now!
"And I never realised what a huge following the group actually had. The past audience we had when we did the RTÉ CO concert at the National Concert Hall [September 2012] sang every word with us. Before we knew it they were on their feet, dancing and singing along.
"I think the Bee Gees music transcends genre, age, nationality, race, etc. Coming from someone that was not a fan, this show is not to be missed.
"From the insanely high and complicated harmonies, to the feel-good lyrics that people seem to know even though they may not realise it, the Bee Gees extravaganza is a night of entertainment that any and everyone will undoubtedly enjoy."
You Should Be Dancing! A Tribute to the Bee Gees, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in the National Concert Hall on Thursday February 7 at 8pm. For further information click here
