A SOLIHULL singer is a step closer to stardom as he made it through to the second round of ITV’s The Voice Kids UK.
Liam Price charmed the audience and panel with his version of’ Lean on Me by Bill Withers during the show’s first episode.
The 12-year-old’s talent shone through as all four red chairs turned around before Will.I.Am, Pixie Lott, Danny Jones and Jessie J battled it out to become his mentor on the show.
The judges then broke out into song in a bid to serenade Liam onto their team.
Despite their attempts, especially from Will.I.Am, Liam finally chose to join Team Pixie.
Viewers will next see Liam take to The Voice stage with his fellow Team Pixie singers next month.
Speaking to The Observer Liam said: “The chance to perform there was a dream come true, I could see my mum and stepdad at the side of me, so I knew I just had to do my best.
“Then when the coaches started to turn it pushed me harder.
“The singing pitch was unbelievable.
“We’ve watched the show every year together, and I’ve never seen them do that before.
“The public response to it has been amazing and better than I could have ever hoped.
“That’s partly what helped me choose Pixie and her team, they all made me feel special but Pixie’s vocal was beautiful.”
Liam said it’s his dream to be a singer and wants a career in music.
He added: “The chance to audition in front of my favourite TV coaches was my goal but it really feels like the sky’s the limit now.”
Liam has performed at the Dovehouse Theatre and won the L Factor competition held at the Lyndon Pub in December.
He also performs with The North Solihull Singers and Sing Out Loud Youth Choir.
As well as looking forward to the battles round on the ITV show, Liam is also rehearsing ready to showcase his talents at the Solihull Jazz Festival and Solihull Summerfest.
Speaking about the upcoming battles, where the teams of nine are whittled down to three for the semi-finals, Liam said: “I’m so excited for the battles round and to find out what song Pixie has chosen for us, and I get to find out who my battle partners are.
“It’s really nerve-racking but to have got this far is unreal, all I can do is my best.”
Liam was supported in the wings by his mum Donna Belcher, his stepdad and little sister.
Donna said: “I’m so happy that Liam got to have this moment, we are huge fans of the show and to see him perform on that stage has made his dreams come true, he works really hard and practices a lot so I’m glad he got the chance to sing for the coaches.
“As a family we hoped one of them would turn but when they all did, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“I just hope people can get behind Liam and support him, he keeps telling me he just wants to make us proud but he has done that already, so my husband and I just want him to have fun.”
