BBC’s The Voice battle rounds: Will.i.am sees through “old school” Jermain Jackman
Sarah Eden-Winn in a singing battle against Jermain Jackman for The Voice, Photo BBC Wall To Wall, Guy Lev - Credit: BBC/Wall to Wall
Jermain Jackman, the “singing politician” from Hackney has made it through the battle rounds on the BBC’s prestigious singing contest, The Voice.
The 19-year old picked up the nickname from one of the show’s four judges, legendary crooner Tom Jones, on his last appearance on the show after he was singled out by hip hop rapper Will.i.am, who is now his mentor and coach.
On Saturday night he sung the duet I Knew You Were Waiting, first made famous by Aretha Franklin and George Michael, with another hopeful, Sarah Eden Winn.
Will.i.am who mentored them both was forced to choose between them and picked Jermain, who he had already met at the 2012 Hackney Weekend when he told him to apply for the series following his performance with fellow Hackney singer Leona Lewis.
“What are the odds of you seeing me at a show, and then you go to The Voice, and I’m the only one turning around for you, I think I’m supposed to see you through,” he said.
You may also want to watch:
“I just love the way he moves his little head, like it’s just like old school, he’s going to be special that kid,” he added.
Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson commented: “Female vocals hit me more emotionally than male vocals, but I have to say on that one Jermain got me there,” and pointed to his heart.
Most Read
- 1 Three men who went on stabbing spree in Hackney convicted of murder
- 2 "Predator" jailed after sexually assaulting sleeping woman on Hackney bus
- 3 "Outcry" over fortnightly rubbish collection in Stamford Hill
- 4 70 firefighters tackle Old Street tower block blaze
- 5 Hackney volunteers tend to Overground station gardens
- 6 'Betrayal of Tottenham Hotspur': fans slam European Super League plan
- 7 Reopening week saw “record-breaking” days at pubs in Hoxton
- 8 Three men charged following Hackney shooting
- 9 NEU members continue strike action at Leaways
- 10 Jailed: Newham men who raped and robbed women in Hackney home
There is one more battle round this Saturday before two knockout shows the following Saturday and Sunday. If Jermain makes it through he will appear on the live shows.