The Voice judges were forced to defend themselves on Twitter after rejecting Scottish opera singer Ciara Harvie.
Viewers of ITV talent contest The Voice were left outraged last night after Scottish opera singer Ciara Harvie failed to get a judge to turn their chair for her.
The teen auditionee may have had the image of a pop star, but her voice could rival opera singers Katherine Jenkins or Joan Sutherland.
Ciara sang classic opera song Nessun Dorma, and the audience were so stunned by the performance they gave her a standing ovation.
Mentor Gavin Rossdale was seen hovering his hand over the button, indicating that he might turn his chair.
However, none of the judges turned around and Ciara didn’t manage to get a place in the competition. Some fans of the show were very disappointed for her.
One person pointed out that the concept of the show ruined the surprise of the difference between how Ciara looked and sounded.
@thevoiceuk that just shows how much you care with the image! You thought was an old woman that's why you didn't turn! #opera
Sonia Reis (@SonicatReis)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE8pb4ZYpFw
Plenty of people thought Ciara deserved a chance.
Wow that young girl who sang opera on The Voice so beautiful. Don't normally like opera but I would love to hear her sing again #Thevoiceuk
Pauline Gibbons (@gibbons_pauline)
Rhys Stephenson labelled the judges 'lazy'. He wrote: "There's many singing shows but there really needs to be one for opera singers if #TheVoice judges keep rejecting them out of laziness"
Following the huge backlash on Twitter, Sir Tom tweeted to explain his decision.
He wrote: "You are very talented @ciarahmusic & you will make it! Just couldn't press my button as I don't feel I could have helped you! #TheVoiceUK."
Jennifer then added: "Such a big voice for someone so young @ciarahmusic! Keep going at it. #TheVoiceUK."
The Voice continues next Saturday on ITV1.
