Following weeks of blind auditions, battle rounds and live performances, The Voice of Ireland finally came to a standstill last night as the winner of the Universal Record contract was announced - and Carlow man Pat Byrne was the name left ringing in our ears.
Over seventeen weeks nearly 2,000 acts were whittled down to 150. For nine unforgettable shows, the final 24 contestants took the Helix by storm until just four acts remained –Pat Byrne, Vanessa Whelan, Jim Devine and Richie Hayes. Last night it was each man (not forgetting Sharon and Vanessa) for themselves as it was artist against artist, and coach against coach, as the emotional journey came to an end.
TEAM BRESSIE: It was all about bringing ginger back, being a bear, and of course having Bressie as his mentor for Pat Byrne. Out of all of the contestants, youth worker Pat has been the most consistent from day one. He wowed us once again in the grand finale with his husky voice, and yet again delivered a sensational rendition of The River. It would have been great if Pat had played the harmonica more throughout the series (he is just so talented). Bressie also made a nice addition on stage strumming the guitar. Hopefully the pair if manage to feature a duet on Pat's upcoming album.
I had to agree with Brian Kennedy (who was one of the first to turn for Pat in the blind auditions) when he said: "You are such a natural storyteller, and I am loving what you are doing. If I didn't know that Bruce Springsteen had written that song, I honestly would have thought it was written especially for you." Kian also lavished Pat with praise saying: "Pat has been amazing from day one for me. He has shown why he has gone in at number three in the charts. It is an amazing achievement. He is an absolute gentleman and a real nice guy. We have all grown very fond of him (here here!).
Pat Byrne and his mentor Bressie
TEAM KIAN: Jim Devine once captivated viewers with his heartfelt rendition of I'm Already There. It took this new dad a while to get his mojo on in the competition, and there were weeks that I thought his ship had sailed. However, in recent week the Tyrone farmer found his calling and proved to be the dark horse of the competition. He definitely earned his place in the competition, and deserved his spot in the finale.
Bressie said: "Jim knows his market, and honestly it is time for him to put the tractor keys down and get out of pubs. You have become a big stage singer in the last couple of weeks and I am very proud of you. Brian pitched in: "“That performance made me think of a new show for you called X-Tractor. I think songs are like outfits. Once you find one that fits you properly you just shine. I don’t think you even know how good you are."
Sharon complimented the recently turned country singer by saying he was "the one to beat"
TEAM SHARON: It was endearing watching the relationship between Sharon Corr and her act Vanessa Whelan blossom. I truly did believe Vanessa when she stated that Sharon is "more like a sister" than a coach (how cute!). As the last woman standing, Vanessa was already a winner. Her rendition of You Light Up My Life reminded me why I was rooting for the mum-of-three from the beginning.
Brian said: “I loved every second of it. You bring such style and grace to the competition and I am proud that you are part of The Voice of Ireland, while Kian stated: "You have come a very long way Vanessa and it’s because you are amazing. You are an amazing singer, an amazing person, you are lovely backstage and an amazing woman to be around. We have all really really enjoyed you being in the show.”
Vanessa Whelan has a great career ahead of her
TEAM BRIAN: My favourite duet was Brian and Richie. It was a powerful performance packed with energy and passion, and the pair really rocked out on stage. Richie gave What About Me socks and reminded me why he has come so far in the competition. As the saying goes 'the best things come in small packages.' A lovely guy, with a heart of gold. Richie Hayes, I have no doubt that we will be seeing your name in lights very soon.
Bressie said that "he ticked every box," with Sharon adding: Vocally tonight that was an amazing performance. It was a very powerful moment between yourself and Brian. Your timing is impeccable it was a flawless performance." Kian further pitched in: "That was such a powerful performance. That’s the type of songs that Richie can sing. I felt like I was at a gig, at Richie’s concert."
Richie you will be missed!
As the show came to a sharp close with an upbeat number (A Little Less Conversation), I couldn't take my eyes off Pat. He really was the star of the show and a worthy winner.
Well done Pat!!! I look forward to downloading your album.
Altogether now - I'm bringing ginger back, I'm a bear, I'm on Team Bressie...........
Laura Delaney
