Brixton songstress Lara Lee has vowed to use the heartbreak of her inspirational grandmother’s death as motivation in BBC One’s The Voice.
Lara wowed Sir Tom Jones on Saturday with an emotional performance of Emeli Sande’s My Kind of Love to beat Kim Alvord in her battle and reach this weekend’s knockout stage.
Sadly her 89-year-old grandmother passed away on Monday and Lara says she will always be indebted to her for helping discover and nurture her love of singing.
She said: “I was very sad because my grandma helped me find my voice, I remember her always being in the kitchen singing and cooking and it made me want to sing.
“She loved to dance as well and I think she helped me discover my love of performing.
“I’m adamant that I want to perform for her and do well in the competition for her.”
Lara produced a typically powerful display during last Saturday’s prime time BBC programme.
After heading on the stage with understandable nerves the Brixton diva’s soulful display left Sir Tom in tears and full of praise.
“I felt the song suited Kim’s voice more than mine because she has such deep and dynamic tones,” explained Lara.
“I was really happy when Tom said I was through and he told me he could feel the emotion in the song when I sang it.
“I made him cry and it was great to know that I had been able to touch him in that way.”
With the battles decided the competition is about the heat up as the judges trim their teams from eight singers to three ahead of the live shows.
Lara will now be able to pick what song she performs and is looking forward to showcasing her unique style.
“I’m feeling both nervous and excited about the knockout stage. There are a lot of really strong singers left so that is nerve-wracking,” said Lara.
“But I also get to perform the songs that I want and show the public what I am all about.
“This weekend I’ll be bringing more of my style to the stage and singing a jazz number so I am looking forward to it.”
As the competition continues the stakes increase and should Lara maintain her place in Team Tom she will be one of just 12 remaining contestants.
Lara believes that despite the high quality of opposition she can continue to grow as a singer and possibly be crowned winner.
She said: “It is getting pretty competitive because everyone wants to do well but we are all good friends and all the singers get on well.
“I want to go as far as I can in the show and hopefully win it, I will do everything I can to make sure that happens.”
Image courtesy of BBC The Voice UK via YouTube, with thanks
