TWO Northern Ireland singers were celebrating reality show success last night after both made it through to the semi-finals of BBC's The Voice.
Andrea Begley, a 26-year-old civil servant from Pomeroy, Co Tyrone and Newtownabbey fashion student Leah McFall (23) both received 'fast passes' from their celebrity coaches, which sent them straight through to the next round of the show, after their live performances on television last night.
Speaking on the show, before she took to the stage to perform Ho Hey by The Lumineers, Andrea, who has just 10 per cent of her vision after a battle with eye disease glaucoma, said she did not want to be "considered as the sympathy card".
"For me, it's all about music and that's why I'm here," said Andrea, who is the niece of legendary country singer Philomena Begley.
Following her performance, mentor Danny O'Donoghue told the singer that she had a "special voice and I'm blessed to have you on my team."
The Script star then chose the singer, out of his three acts, to award a 'fast pass' to, which meant the Pomeroy woman went straight through to the next round of the show and did not have to await the result of the public vote.
There was also good news for fellow Northern Ireland contestant Leah McFall, who was described by her mentor will.i.am as "enchanting".
The Black Eyed Peas singer said the Newtownabbey woman "was putting Belfast on the map in a very serious cool, creative way".
Her performance of the Gloria Gaynor hit I Will Surive earned the fashion student a standing ovation from the judges.
Mentor will.i.am said those watching the show had just seen "the best singer in a freakin' long time".
He then awarded Leah his team 'fast pass' which sent the singer straight through to next week's semi-final.