Penultimate battle round in voice of ireland

The penultimate battle round is upon us and the next fourteen contestants are ready for their chance to own the stage. Two minutes, two contestants, only one can win over their judge to make the live shows in the Helix on 22nd March. With four STEALs still up for grabs, the contestants must draw on all the advice their coaches have given them during their stay at Castle Bellingham to earn a place on the team, or be ‘stolen’ by another. The coaches are taking a tougher approach as the competition progresses to assure they have the strongest possible teams to take to the next round; and one contestant has a shock announcement to her coach Kian…she is pregnant and due during the live shows!

First to take to the stage in round three is Team Kian. He has paired Helena Bradley Bates (40) from Wexford with Limerick’s Stuart Bond (37.) Both displayed strong rock voices in the blind auditions which turned three of the judges’ chairs but Kian’s passion for rock music attracted them to his team. Kian reveals his song choice, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird, to the delight of both singers. At first Kian is delighted with how Helena and Stuart sound and can’t wait to see how they progress, but does practice always make perfect? There’s also a shock revelation for Kian when Helena reveals she is expecting a baby. Her fifth baby is due to arrive towards the end of the live shows. Helena insists she’ll still be the same, just a bit bigger!

Team Rachel follows with a performance by Paul Taylor (45) from Galway taking on Cristin Nolan (33) from Clare. Rachel chooses Jackson by Johnny Cash & June Carter which Cristin is delighted with as she likes to sing country. Paul has no experience performing live on stage in front of such a big audience and struggles with his confidence. He is much more confident busking with his 2 dogs in Galway city. There’s a real connection between these two when they perform which is sure to leave Rachel with a tough decision.

It’s a big song for two girls from Team Una in the next battle. Shannon Doyle (19) from Finglas takes on Shauna Nolan (18) from Carrigaline in this showdown singing Heart Attack by Demi Lovato. The girls are thrilled when the song choice is revealed, Una is delighted with the girls’ enthusiasm but cracks soon begin to show during rehearsal with such a difficult song. There’s only one place available to the student and the trainee hairdresser, their fate lies in the performance on the night.

In the next battle we have the second pairing from Team Rachel and the S Club 7 singer has chosen Lanni Power (29) from Dublin to compete against Ellie-May Bopp (18) from Galway. Both girls have shown creativity and Rachel hopes they can add some personality to the song Just like a Pill by Pink. Rachel finds there’s no energy coming from either Ellie-May or Lanni in rehearsal; Ellie-May is feeling the strain and has a sore throat, while Lanni isn’t convinced about the song choice which is affecting her confidence. Rachel finds the energy very low in the performance and needs to help the girls out before they take to the stage to fight for their place in the competition.

Our next battle brings Ciara Monaghan (18) from Galway to the stage to sing off against Karla Chubb (19) from Dublin to compete for their place on Team Kian. The girls are underwhelmed by Kian’s song choice Katy Perry – Wide Awake which leaves their coach frustrated. When he realises the girls haven’t taken any of his advice on board he leaves the rehearsal to clear his head. With a record deal at stake, Kian hopes they understand what a great opportunity they have been given. He sends the girls away to prepare for their appearance in the Helix.

Returning to the battles for her second year is Catherine Hughes (30) from Antrim. Last year, the mother of two had to leave the competition hours before taking to the stage when she went into labour so she’s back with some unfinished business. Catherine will compete against the creative, guitar playing Laura Enright (19) from Limerick singing Universal by 90s rock band Blur. Both singers impressed all four coaches in their blind auditions, but it was Team Bressie they chose. Laura is used to busking in Limerick but worries that Catherine’s experience in the competition will better her.

The last battle of the evening is another from Team Una. This time she’s chosen to pair Kayleigh Cullinan (19) from Kimmage with Niall O’Halloran (22) from Limerick. In the final battle of the night, Una has picked a classic for the 22 year old performing artist and the 19 year old backing singer. Una thinks ‘I’ll be There’ by the Jackson Five is the right choice for the final two competitors of the evening. Una finds herself extremely torn between two incredible contestants and is not looking forward to making this decision.

Next week brings a conclusion to the battle rounds. With STEALs still available to some coaches, the contestants must give all they’ve got to win their place in the live shows and be in with a chance to win a record contract with Universal Music.

This coming Saturday you can catch Paul Taylor (Galway) Ciara Monaghan (Galway) Nicola Lynch (Mayo) Kate Purcell (Clare) and Denise Morgan (Manchester/Galway) performing in Eyre Square Galway from midday. You can also sit in the iconic red chair and sample some Muller Corner!

4 Battle auditions Sunday 22nd February – 15th March

6 Live shows Sunday 22nd March – 26th April

Coming up on the final week of Battles March 15th

(TEAM BRESSIE) Emma Humber V Chloe Wilders

(TEAM UNA) Pat Fitz V John Sheehy

(TEAM BRESSIE) Hannah Stockwell-Quinn V Denise Morgan

(TEAM UNA) Evan Cotter V Mark Joyce

(TEAM RACHEL) Malcolm Urquhart V Cian O’Melia

(TEAM RACHEL)Gemma Lomax V Brian Dunne

(TEAM KIAN) Colm Conlan V Jo Petit