Derbyshire teenager Frank Raven swoops into the final of telly's The Voice UK
‘We were loving every minute’ - mentor Danny Jones of McFly.
All eyes will be on Derbyshire teenager Frank Raven when he takes on contenders in the final of television’s The Voice UK.
Frank, from New Mills, will represent Team Tom and Danny in the series finale which will be shown on Saturday, October 31.
His powerhouse performance of Rebel Yell in the semi-final of the competition has boosted his following on social media, with comments flooding Frank’s Instagram page.
Jassmiin posted: “This performance was insane!! The way you put so much emotion and feeling into every second...I got chills. I genuinely believe you’re going to win this.
Abelena4ever posted: “You’re a little star in the making, pure raw talent.”
Berniebee1 commented: “I’m definitely curious as to what you’re going to sing for the final as this was epic. You have undeniable talent, you turn an iconic Billy Idol into your own and smashed it. Can’t wait to see you in the final. My Winner.”
The star-studded panel of coaches on The Voice UK were equally complimentary about Frank’s performance which he launched by playing piano and singing softly before stepping on top of the piano to belt out the song in true rock star mode.
His mentor Danny Jones of McFly said that Frank had given the whole package in one, from the dark, cinematic and soft side to then fronting the band and standing on the piano. Danny said: “We were loving every minute.”
Sir Tom Jones commented: “I love the slow part because I hadn't heard it below and then of course you went in so from the beginning to the end it was right there.” Kelly Rowland said: "I love the beginning - I was really able to hear your voice. “will.i.am commented: “I loved the dynamics...I liked it a lot.”
Frank looked surprised when he was announced as finalist. He told programme host Emma Willis: “I was in a moment of shock for a second.”
He said of performing Rebel Yell: “That was probably the most fun performance I've ever done. It's so energetic, I don't normally get to show that because normally I'm just sat playing piano and it's just, like, sad.”
HIs father Mark said he was immensely proud, commenting: "When Frank sings I try not to cry. Every week his confidence is growing.”
Frank was up against two worthy contenders in the semi-final including Jack Algar from Chesterfield who sang Smooth by Rob Thomas and Santana.
Danny Jones said: “We picked Jack for the semi finals because Jack brings the fun, the energy and the hunger to want to learn.” Taking the advice of his mentors Tom Fletcher and Danny on board, Jack rose to the challenge and ended his performance with a flourish by knocking over the microphone.... .a deliberate act that surprised his coaches as it hadn’t been factored in at rehearsal.
Kelly Rowland said of Jack: "He's just so cute.,” and asked him whether he’d had fun. Jack said: “Yeah, I’ve had a lot of fun. All the emotions that have been leading up to the semi-final, I’ve let them all out.”
Sir Tom Jones said that he had really enjoyed Jack’s performance, telling him: “I thought you did a great job,. you looked great as well as sounded great.”
Among the audience was Jack’s science teacher, referred to as Chris by programme host Emma. The presenter said: “By day Jack’s studying science in A-levels, by night, he’s a little rock star.” Later Emma asked Jack : “Doctor or little rock star?” to which Jack replied: “Can I not do both?”
Jack, who fronts the band Derventio and is at Chesterfield College, posted: “This may be the end of my journey in the competition but this journey has been the most amazing time of my life with such an amazing new Voice UK family.” He has also commented on Frank’s Instagram page: “This is unreal brother ❤️ I’m so unbelievably proud of you.”
Frank and Jack were both 17 when the series was filmed.
*Tune in to cheer Frank on as he performs in the final of The Voice UK this Saturday at 8.30pm or catch up on his previous performances in the series on ITVX.