The Voice has produced stars since its inception in 2011, including Christina Grimmie, Loren Allred and award-winning country singer Morgan Wallen. So it’s no wonder 11-year-old Tomas, originally from North Wales, had his heart set on competing in the iconic competition. Supported by his mum and his sister, Tomos explains how ‘‘I’ve been singing since I can remember. When I’m really stressed out I sing and it makes me feel better.’
So it’s perhaps no wonder that Tomos would sing a song that means so much to him. He reveals that he’s going to sing Piece by Piece by award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson. It’s a big song to sing, both because Kelly Clarkson is known for her powerhouse vocals, but also because of what it means to him; the song is about Clarkson’s father leaving when she was a young girl – something that Tomos sadly relates to.
The judges are also visibly moved but unfortunately, none of them turned around to send him through to the next round. Judge Danny Jones was the most emotional though, revealing that he also related to the song as his dad left him when he was 18 and Pixie Lott commended Tomos for his bravery in being able to get up onto the stage and perform that song for them. Will.I.Am gave Tomos advice he will no doubt carry with him beyond the show -‘‘Our non-turn does not define you or where you’re going.’
Although it was not Tomos’ time that year, the winner of the first series of The Voice Kids delivered a performance of a hit song by yet another vocal powerhouse. Accompanied by choreography and backing dancers, Jess Folley delivered a show-stopping performance of Beyonce’s iconic ‘Love on Top’ that ultimately won her the show.
Since winning the show, Jess released her debut single ‘Chasing Shadows’ and lent her voice to yet another competition! She auditioned for The X-Factor: The Band, where solo artists audition to try and win a place in a boyband or a girlband. Jess was placed in RLY, also known as Really Like You, alongside Halle Williams, Virginia Hampson, Kellmarie Willis and Kyra West. In August 2023, they released their debut single ‘Love Me Or Not’.