The Voice of Ireland winner Michael Lawson has described his victory on the singing talent show on Sunday night as "completely surreal".
The 19-year-old singer, who was born in London and lives with his parents in Newbliss, Co Monaghan, receives a recording contract with Universal Music Ireland for winning this year's competition.
Michael told RTÉ TEN that he's still coming to terms with Sunday night's win.
"I'm replaying the moment over and over in my head and I still can't believe it", he said. "It still feels like a dream. I'm pinching myself".
"I still can't believe it"
For the final Michael, who was coached by Bressie, chose as his song 7 Years by Lukas Graham - his favourite from the line-up of previous songs - along with Superman by Five for Fighting as his second song.
He says that when he first sang 7 Years in the knock-out stages of the competition, he had an inkling that he could win.
"Before that I was like, 'I'm just glad to be on the show'. That was success enough for me. But as soon as 7 Years was finished and over and done with, I was like - 'Maybe I could do this?'".
During the final, each of the four Voice coaches raved about Michael's performance
He said that he only had nerves during the first live show of the series and that after performing 7 Years for the first time he thought he stood a chance of reaching the final.
The teenager thanked his co-workers at the ABP Food Group factory in Clones for all the support they had given him during the series.
"They've been behind me ever since they found out I was on The Voice. They've really catered for me", he said.
Michael also said he's looking forward to heading back to Monaghan later today, where the plan is for lots of "partying". And rightly so.
During the final, each of the four Voice coaches well full of praise about his performance. "This performance showed why you deserve to be here. You have such a gorgeous tone to your voice," said Rachel.
Michael's favourite song of the series '7 Years' blows everyone away again. https://t.co/K9PAcdPXis #rtethevoice pic.twitter.com/57Qsa6svDA
— The Voice of Ireland (@RTETheVoice) April 24, 2016
"That's just a flawless vocal. I feel it when you sing; it's about emotion and feeling and that's what makes you stand out from the crowd," said Kian. "You have a real shot at winning tonight."
Úna said she loved how Michael connected with the song. "You are such a pop star, getting better and better," she said.
Bressie remarked that 7 Years was made for Michael. "People like you deserve to win because you are a natural talent and they don't come along very often," he added.
The four finalists in The Voice of Ireland 2016 (L-R) - Kelesa Mulcahy, Nigel Connell, Michael Lawson and Laura O'Connor
Kelesa Mulcahy took second place in the contest, which was hosted by Kathryn Thomas. Nigel Connell was third with Laura O'Connor fourth.
Nicky Byrne performed Ireland's Eurovision 2016 entry, Sunlight, as part of the final show in the current series.
