Bookies’ favourite Kevin Simm has been voted the last ever BBC1 winner of The Voice by the public. The former Liberty X pop star looked shocked as his name was announced.
Chorley-born Kevin impressed with his rendition of the winner’s song, titled All You Good Friends, and his earlier performance of Stay by Rihanna.
“I can’t believe it,” the stunned singer mentored by Ricky Wilson said. “I’m just so grateful to everyone that’s voted for me. I couldn’t have dreamed this would happen, especially at my ripe old age!” the 35-year-old added.
Kevin Simm has won The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)
Jolan, also mentored by Ricky, was the runner-up and said of Kevin: “I couldn’t wish anybody better to win it.”
Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky promised: “I’ve already got something in place for him.”
Lydia Lucy from will.i.am’s team and Boy George charge Cody Frost fell at the last hurdle after securing the fewest votes from the public.
Lydia Lucy on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)
Essex girl Lydia thanked her supporters and paid tribute to her mentor: “I’ve loved every single moment on this show and I’m so happy I’ve had a chance to work with this man.”
In response, will.i.am said Lydia will perform during his free show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 11, adding: “We’re going to still continue to record together.”
Talking about the show, Lancastrian Cody said: “It’s been really long, but it’s been amazingly worth it.”
Cody Frost on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)
Boy George said they were both “pleased” about the outcome because the 18-year-old did not want to record the winner’s song.
Jolan kicked off the competition with a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine.
“It was amazing. I don’t want to live in a world where a voice like that goes undiscovered,” said Ricky.
Lydia, 22, had attempted to find fame on Simon Cowell’s The X Factor in 2013. She performed No One by Alicia Keys on the BBC talent show.
Jolan performs on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)
Previously praised for the ease with which she can switch between singing and rapping, Lydia showcased her skill once again.
“Lydia is the real deal,” said will.i.am.
Like Lydia, Burnley-raised Cody successfully shook off ill health to give a stirring performance in the final. She tackled Tears For Fears classic Mad World to universal acclaim.
Ricky Wilson and Kevin Simm on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)
In the duets segment, fans were treated to a variety of music genres. Winning coach Ricky teamed with guitar-playing Jolan for Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz.
Boy George and Cody gave the watching millions a version of John Lennon’s enduring classic Imagine.
Ricky and Kevin took the tempo up significantly with festivals favourite, Mr Brightside by The Killers and Will.i.am borrowed his own song Boys & Girls for a funky duet with Lydia.
Meghan Trainor on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)
Music on the night came from international artists Meghan Trainor and Shawn Mendes.
Presenters Emma Willis and Marvin Humes signed off the BBC One broadcast by thanking all the cast and crew who had worked on the show since its 2012 debut.
In 2017, The Voice will be broadcast on ITV.
