The final 12 contestants of The Voice treated fans to an impromptu open mic gig on Wednesday night in preparation for the first live show on BBC1 on Saturday.
Coaches Rita Ora, Tom Jones, will.i.am and Ricky Wilson joined their teams of three at the intimate gig at the iconic London music venue Scotch of St James. Each finalist sang a stripped down, 90-second version of their favourite song.
All the singers were in great voice and the coaches seemed in high spirits as the competition heats up this weekend.
Newest coach Rita, who wore a 'suitkini' outfit for the event, thought the intimate gig was a great experience for her final three: Joe Woolford, Clark Carmody and Karis Thomas.
She said: "These kinds of gigs are the most important because you see people face to face, there’s no filter and it’s just as raw as you can be and I think it’s when people start to connect with you the most."
And she had some advice for her trio ahead of the first live show this Saturday. She said: "Don’t worry so much about what people are going to see you as, just carry out what you know what you can do, which is use your voice."
When asked what’s making him nervous about the live shows, fellow coach Ricky said: “Nothing. Last year I was terrified but, this year, I know it’s all about these guys. Last year, I didn’t enjoy it as much, now I’m telling them as much as I’m telling myself, just enjoy it.”
The Voice live shows start this Saturday at 7pm on BBC1.
