A voice so pure it stopped the room! A remarkable young talent from Co Armagh has captured the hearts of the judges on Britain's Got Talent with a performance that can only be described as 'angelic.'
But here's where it gets truly special... The 17-year-old, Niamh Noade from Lislea, graced the stage on a recent episode, offering a stripped-back, incredibly moving rendition of Alex Warren's hit song, 'Ordinary.' What made it stand out? Niamh didn't just sing; she accompanied herself on the harp, creating a soundscape that was both intimate and powerful.
Following her captivating performance, the audience and all four judges rose to their feet in a standing ovation. It was a moment that clearly resonated deeply.
KSI, a new face on the judging panel this year, was particularly struck by Niamh's sound, calling her an "angelic instrument and angelic voice." Alesha Dixon echoed this sentiment, describing her act as "very unique" and the performance itself as "heavenly." Amanda Holden praised Niamh's "lovely clean, clear voice" and her "beautifully, quietly confident" stage presence, admitting she was relieved when Niamh began to sing after appreciating the harp.
Even the notoriously critical Simon Cowell was impressed, confessing that Niamh's performance made him appreciate the harp a little more! He lauded her "amazing voice," stating, "some people are just born with great voices, and you've got that. That version of the song was sensational."
And this is the part most people miss... Niamh's journey in the spotlight isn't new. This talented singer-songwriter and harpist masterfully blends traditional Celtic and electric harp with contemporary sounds. Her previous performance of 'The Winner Takes It All' on The Voice Kids UK garnered over 20 million views online, even bringing judge Ronan Keating to tears. She was also a finalist in the Junior Eurovision Contest in 2022 and has used her musical gifts to support vital causes, releasing Christmas songs to aid charities focused on homelessness and raising funds for children with critical illnesses.
Niamh's mother, Deirdre, shared with immense pride that singing has always been a fundamental part of Niamh's life. Her father's musicality and daily singing to her as a child laid the foundation. By age 7, Niamh was taking singing lessons and joined the Traditional Arts Partnership – South Armagh, where she honed her skills in both English and Irish. Her competitive spirit shone through as she collected numerous trophies in Fleadh and Scor competitions, currently holding the Armagh County Scor Solo Singing Title for 2022.
Her early inspirations included the renowned Cara Dillon, whose songs Niamh would learn and perform. Harp lessons began at Armagh Pipers Club, later progressing to one-on-one sessions. The magical combination of singing and playing the harp together truly blossomed during the lockdown period.
Niamh's success on Britain's Got Talent, earning her four "yes" votes, means she'll be advancing to the next stage of the competition. Do you think Niamh has what it takes to win it all? Or perhaps her unique blend of traditional and modern sounds is what truly sets her apart? Share your thoughts below – we’d love to hear your agreement or disagreement!
