Drumsurn girl to feature in ‘The Voice’

Limavady Grammar School pupil Rachel O'Connor. INLV0414-038KDR

The 16-year-old student, from Drumsurn is to sing in front of judges Tom Jones, Will.I.Am, the Kaizer Chief’s frontman Ricky Wilson and Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue.

The entire Roe Valley community will surely be cheering Rachael on when she makes her television bow on Saturday at 7.10pm on BBC One, ten minutes later than usual.

The local girl is one of the latest batch of hopefuls to sing for the panel as ‘The Voice’ enters the fourth week of blind auditions.

Her rendition of ‘Clown’ by Emeli Sande is sure to impress all four judges in Saturday’s programme.

Vice-Principal of Limavady Grammar School Kaye Henry said: “Rachael is the third and youngest member of a very talented Drumsurn family to attend Limavady Grammar School. In addition to her academic studies, she is an active member of the hockey club and has taken a leading role in a number of school productions and talent shows. The whole school and the local community are behind her and wish her well on The Voice.”

Jonathon Burgess, the local playwright, worked with Rachael when she played the lead in the Millenium Forum Youth Theatre’s musical production of ‘Grease.’

He paid glowing tributes to the Drumsurn girl’s attitude as well as her raw talent, saying: “She’s a very talented girl, there’s no doubt about that. What is maybe more important though is the fact that she has a fantastic attitude. At that age that is the most important thing.

“There is a lot to learn and Rachael has always shown that she is willing to learn. She is a very pleasant girl to begin with. She will apply herself - she’s been applying herself and preparing for a long time. She always known that it is not going to happen overnight and she has been applying the skills she has.

“It is a real opportunity for her. It will bring her on a bit more. Hopefully she’ll do well and win but even if she doesn’t she’ll have that experience of appearing on television behind her - and that is important.

“She is a brilliant girl and I want to wish her all the best from everyone.”