Northern Ireland

Co Derry school boy told he is 'something special' on The Voice Kids

Co Derry schoolboy Dara McNicholl was told he was "something special" when he formed at the weekend on ITV's The Voice Kids
Co Derry schoolboy Dara McNicholl was told he was "something special" when he formed at the weekend on ITV's The Voice Kids Co Derry schoolboy Dara McNicholl was told he was "something special" when he formed at the weekend on ITV's The Voice Kids
By Marie Louise McConville

A schoolboy from Co Derry has been described as "something special" after he sang his way into the next round of ITV's The Voice Kids.

Dara McNicholl, a 12-year-old from Ballinascreen, received a standing ovation from the judges following his perfect rendition of the Whitney Houston hit 'I Have Nothing'.

Just before he took to the stage, the U-14s hurler, said he was "very nervous" as he had only "been singing properly for the last three years.

[ READ MORE: Singing star Pixie Lott on The Voice Kids ]

"I just used to hum. Secretly, I would just go to the car and sing to the radio," he said.

"I'm really nervous. Getting on a stage and actually looking at the amount of people staring at you. It is much different to humming in your car.

"This is going to be quite a big opportunity. Hopefully I have what it takes to make one of the coaches turn around".

Dara's father, Chris added: "It's all becoming a bit real. I just hope for Dara , it's an enjoyable day".

Co Derry schoolboy Dara McNicholl received a standing ovation from the judges when he performed on ITV's The Voice Kids at the weekend
Co Derry schoolboy Dara McNicholl received a standing ovation from the judges when he performed on ITV's The Voice Kids at the weekend Co Derry schoolboy Dara McNicholl received a standing ovation from the judges when he performed on ITV's The Voice Kids at the weekend

The school boy, who's second cousin is former Derry footballer Dermot McNicholl, then took to the stage for his blind audition during which he gave a flawless rendition of Whitney Houston's 'I Have Nothing".

Coach, will.i.am turned around straight away on hearing the first note, following quickly by fellow judge Danny Jones.

Singer Paloma Faith then turned around followed by Pixie Lott.

Following his performance, Dara was told he was "something special".

Speaking to the youngster, Paloma Faith said: "You didn't miss a note. It was like crystal clear.

"I would love you to be on team Paloma. I was blown away by your voice. I got goosebumps," she said.

"I know a lot of the songs that would be great for you and whoever gets to work with you will be so lucky. I would love the opportunity".

Danny Jones said he was "lost for words because I feel like I am in the presence of something special".

"For me to have the honour of coaching you would be amazing," he said.

In the end, Dara opted to join Paloma Faith's team and will now proceed to the next level of the competition.

Following his success, Ballinascreen GAC posted on Facebook: "Well done to Dara on his 4 chair turn tonight on The Voice Kids, you were fantastic. We're #teamdara & #TeamPaloma all the way"