A west Belfast schoolboy will this weekend swap busking for the stage when he appears on ITV’s The Voice Kids.
Aspiring singer and musician Jarlaith Mervyn (12) is hoping to secure the backing of the show's judges when he competes in the 'blind auditions' on Saturday.
From the Glengoland area of the city, Jarlaith is no stranger to performing and is often seen busking on the streets of Belfast.
"He just loves performing and he works very hard and one day we know he will achieve his dreams," said mum Tracy.
Read more:
Co Armagh teenager (14) to perform on ITV's The Voice Kids
The show involves children aged seven to 14 competing in blind auditions in the hope that the coaches will turn in their red chairs.
The panel, which this year includes Ronan Keating, Danny Jones, Will.i.am and Pixie Lott, critique the young performers and guide their teams of selected artists through the remainder of the series – competing against each other for the winning act.
Last week saw Co Armagh teenager Niamh Noade secure three turns of the infamous red chairs when she appeared on the show.
The 14-year-old performed ABBA’s The Winner Takes It All, leaving for Boyzone star Keating, whom she chose to be her coach, in tears.
This Saturday will be the turn of Jarlaith, a pupil at Rathmore Grammar School in Dunmurry, who has had a love of music from an early age.
"Jarlaith picked up the guitar at the early age of four, following in his sister Jessica’s footsteps of guitar playing he too wanted to learn," said his mum.
"From the age of nine Jarlaith has been playing on the stage, with his first gig performing for his football club, Andersonstown Community FC.
"And to date he has played at a wedding, christenings, communions, company gatherings and garden parties."
"Most recently he has started busking in Belfast city centre.
"With the help of 'The Awards for Young Musicians' programme, Jarlaith has been able to purchase the equipment to allow him to busk which he absolutely loves."
She added that her son lives for his music and performing.
"Jarlaith's dad and I encourage and support him with everything he does, he just loves performing and he works very hard and one day we know he will achieve his dreams," she said.
"Everyday is consumed with music for Jarlaith, he attends guitar lessons, vocal lessons as well as a song writing programme at Oh Yeah Music Centre where he has been learning how to write his own music.
"Jarlaith is just your typical 12-year-old boy, he is so much fun to be around, just a wee character who is always happy and smiling and always very chilled."
Jarlaith's blind audition airs on ITV on Saturday at 7.30pm.
