Voice of Ireland star thanks Finglas

NORTHSIDE ‘Voice of Ireland’ finalist, Laura O’Connor, has thanked her local community for their amazing support during the series and vowed to continue her career in music.

Despite being eliminated in the second week of live shows in 2014, Laura returned this year even stronger, finishing fourth in the competition, and she’s now planning on pursuing a full-time career in music.

Last week, the 20-year-old told Northside People about the amazing love and support she got from locals when she brought mentor, former S Club 7 member Rachael Stevens, back to her home after reaching the final. 

“I can’t thank the whole Finglas community enough,” she said.

“People from my old school in St Finian’s brought a group of kids around when Rachael came back.

“People putting up my posters, people just wishing me good luck in the street; it was incredible and I want to thank them so much for it.”

Laura was doubly determined to succeed in this year’s series after getting as far as the live shows two years ago.

This time around she snubbed previous team leader Kian Egan in favour of Stevens – and it paid off in improved performances.

“I always felt I could do better so when I went back I wanted to show everybody I was capable of doing it,” Laura explained.

Under the tutelage of Stevens, Laura’s mix of pop and R&B performances saw her excel in the competition.

While contestants may only sing one or two songs during a show, the Finglas singer explained how much hard work goes into each and every performance.

“There’s so much work that goes into it: choreography, music rehearsals, vocal training and interviews as well as the show itself,” she said.

“We only have a minute and half to two minutes to get as much into our songs as we can to show off our vocals so it takes an awful lot of time to arrange that.”

Despite impressing judges in her final performances, including a super rendition of Ella Henderson’s ‘Yours’, which Bressie told her was the performance of the night, Laura was unsuccessful as Londoner Michael Lawson eventually claimed top spot for the competition’s fifth season.

However, like her elimination in the show back in 2004, the setback hasn’t phased Laura one bit.

“I knew that the hard work starts after the show regardless of whether you lose or win,” she added.

“I was prepared to work after the show – everything that’s good comes to an end so you just have to accept it and use it the best you can.”

Laura will continue to perform as she begins booking concerts, including an appearance at Kilkenny’s Summertime Ball later this year

Her quest to win the ‘Voice of Ireland’ may have ended in disappointment, but her story is bound to be an inspiration for others like her, as she spoke about the important lessons she learned from the experience.

“Don’t let anything hold you back,” she advised.

“This is something I want to do so you kind of have to push through the nerves. 

“I would say that to anyone who feels nervous – just push through.”

REPORT: Daniel O’Connor