SINGER Jolan Gidney-Craigen has made it through to the live finals of The Voice.

The 22-year-old Cumbrian is the latest local star to have success on a national talent show.

He follows in the footsteps of Carlisle’s Britain’s Got Talent winner Matt Pagan, of operatic boy band Collabro, BGT finalist Emma Jones, of Wigton, as well as Mikey Bromley, also from Carlisle, who made it into the live finals of The X Factor with Only The Young.

Jolan, from Moor Row near Whitehaven, was among Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson’s final eight contestants on Saturday’s show.

He performed Never Tear Us Apart by INXS in the knockout round for a place in judge Ricky’s final three.

He will now be among the 12 finalists set to perform in the live finals of the prime time BBC show next Saturday.

And an emotional Jolan was left speechless when he heard he’d made it through. Ricky said he was taking him into to the next round because “he shows me his soul when he sings”.

Saturday night’s show saw performances from all 32 of the remaining contestants, with Ricky, Boy George, Paloma Faith and Will.I.Am having to choose three from their team of eight.

Jolan had previously appeared on The Voice two years ago, only to be eliminated in the first round. Since then, his mum Joanne has died, prompting the singer to try again in her memory.

Ahead of his performance, Jolan declared: “Two years ago I didn’t get any turns but this time I feel ready. I’m not going to go down without a fight. It just needs to be perfect.”

Ricky admitted he was worried that emotions may get the better of the Cumbrian, saying: “I can tell how important it is to him. I’m willing him to succeed.”

Jolan’s performance was well-received by the audience and fellow judges, with paloma declaring that she loved the emotion he brings to a song. “I like being on the edge of my seat,” she added.

Performing first of all the Team Ricky singers, Jolan then had to watch and wait while the others took to the stage.

Tension then mounted as Ricky announced his decision, putting through Chloe Castro and Kevin Simm, formerly of pop band Liberty X, before naming Jolan as his third finalist.

Interviewed afterwards, the stunned singer was so overwhelmed he struggled to get his words out.

“You’ve no idea - to think this would ever happen... hopefully I’ll show everyone what there is still to come,” he said.

As well as Ricky and Paloma, Jolan also won over Boy George, who declared: “He’s got this incredible white soul voice. You’re amazed at what comes out of his mouth.”