18-Year-Old Zimbabwean Crowned Winner Of The Voice UK

Blessing Chitapa from Zimbabwe has been crowned as the winner of The Voice UK.

The 18-year-old singer, who was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK aged seven, was named as the winner during Saturday’s episode of the ITV talent competition.

She saw off competition from Jonny Brooks, who was coached by Sir Tom Jones, in the final, theguardian.com, reports.

Chitapa, who lives in Dudley in the West Midlands, sang Robbie Williams’ Angels and James Bay’s Hold Back The River in the final.

The latter song was a duet with her mentor Olly Murs. A tearful Chitapa said she is “so happy to have sung on this stage”.

“It has been an honour and my privilege and it has been unforgettable,” she added.

After she sang Angels, Murs said, “You are just a phenomenal talent and even I am getting emotional here after that performance.”

Earlier in the series, Murs became Chitapa’s mentor after he was the only judge to turn his chair during her audition.

Chitapa said winning the competition “is my biggest achievement yet. I am so proud of how far I have come and I’m so intrigued to see what the future holds for me,” she said.

Chitapa has recorded Angels as a single, which is available to download and stream.

Filming of The Voice was paused earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The programme returned to television screens in October following a seven-month break.

Chitapa was chosen as the victor by the programme’s virtual audience, who voted for her to win.

Angela Davies