A CO DERRY schoolboy who narrowly missed out winning The Voice Kids final has vowed to pursue his dreams of a career in the music industry.
Dara McNicholl (13) from Ballinascreen finished second in the ITV show on Saturday evening and said while he "devastated", he wanted to continue singing and described his experience as "priceless".
The St Colm's High School pupil was dealt a major challenge as his voice began to break in the run up to the final performance where he sang Against All Odds.
He told his mentor Paloma Faith that his vocals had "definitely went down in tone".
His mum Donna said on the show: "He's coming in with a new voice he's not familiar with, he's definitely scared so he just has to be brave, he needs more spirit."
Paloma Faith said she was "so proud" of the young star, telling him: "If that was me when I was your age I wouldn't have come. You came to every rehearsal and you just said 'it's a challenge'.
"It's a testament to you and the amazing family you have because they are so supportive.
"You are obviously gifted. Your voice hasn't gone away, you've kind of gained something because you've gained this lower register, which is full of emotion and depth and then you've still got some of those bits that are like a child.
"I expect to see you as an adult with a big bright music career."
