THERE were mixed fortunes for the Dublin contestants on Voice of Ireland after last weekend’s crucial rounds.
With the battle stages nearing it was a nail-biting episode with no fewer than three Dublin singers getting through while three failed.
Joanne Prendergast, (22) from Crumlin, was definitely one of the stars of the show.
Joanne sang ‘What Now’ by Rihanna and even though judge Dolores told her that her voice was lovely and encouraged her to keep practicing while Kian said he was very close to turning, unfortunately, she didn’t make it through.
However, it’s unlikely that this setback will stop Joanne who comes from a musical family.
Her dad and brothers mostly raised her as her mum passed away when she was only seven-years-old.
Her mum had taught her how to play the bodhrán and she has played ever since.
Three years ago she sang along as her brother played guitar and he noticed that she could sing.
Joanne works in a crèche but she is also sports mad as she plays GAA football for St James Gaels, camogie for St Kevin’s, and soccer for James Gaels.
Among the other Dubs who featured on Sunday night’s show was Paddy Reilly (34), who lived in Finglas and now Whitehall.
A very passionate and great character, he sang a mellow version of ‘Ring Of Fire’ in his distinct raspy voice.
Bressie turned for him and all the judges praised his audition.
At 17 he moved to London to pursue a music career and he played in a band there but he has since moved home and now gigs regularly in Temple Bar.
Laura O Connor (18) belted out the Drake song ‘Hold On We’re Going Home’.
Kian and Bressie turned very early on in her audition. A very sweet girl, Kian told her she had the full package while Bressie told her to believe in her voice, that he described as beautiful.
Laura, who lives with her mum, dad, brothers and sisters, started singing aged just four and has since performed in several talent shows.
Saira Loughlin (19), from Ballybrack, has the backing of her mum, the ‘Mamager’ who brings her everywhere to her gigs.
She sang Tiesto’s ‘Touch Me In The Morning’ but nobody turned for her.
Both Bressie and Jamelia commented on her diction when singing and told her that she needed to work on it.
Kian said he enjoyed her performance and felt it was a great effort.
Singing since she was three, Saira spent her Communion money on a guitar and she gigs in the Dundrum House, The Pint Bar, and The Mercantile.