An Angus teenager is to appear on this year’s Christmas special of ITV singing show The Voice Kids.
Aimee McKelvie from Birkhill, just outside Dundee, is one of two Scottish youngsters hoping to impress judges will.i.am, Danny Jones, Pixie Lott and Ronan Keating next week.
Filming for the three-episode series, for children aged seven to 14, took place in January – when Aimee was 12 – meaning the family have had to keep her appearance a secret all year.
The now-13-year-old was put forward by her singing teacher Heather Finnie, who has taught Aimee at Aspire Vox for five years and has posted videos of her singing online.
Heather also recommended to Aimee’s parents, Lee and Vikki, that she apply.
Aimee underwent Zoom auditions last year and was then invited for more in London, before being told she had made the show.
The Monifieth High School pupil said: “(The experience) was really good and a lot of fun.
“It was great to meet the judges too.
“I was really nervous before my performance but I felt fine when I started singing.
“I’m really happy with how it went and super excited for everyone to see it.”
Dad Lee said: “It was a really busy but also very emotional time.
“We were shaking watching her on stage.
“She was up against some really good talent. We’re so proud of her.”
Mum Vikki said: “We were watching her walk down the stage like ‘that’s our baby girl’.
‘We were standing with Emma Willis really scared’
“We’re standing at the side with (presenter) Emma Willis and were really scared as to what we were going to look like on TV.
“We’ve waited nearly a year for it to come out and are glad we can finally talk about it now.
“Although it was a serious competition, they made it a really fun and enjoyable experience.”
The family have been sworn to secrecy over the results of the show.
Vikki said: “Out of 10,000 auditionees she made it down to very few people.
“We can’t say more than that but we are so proud of her.
“Some people she was against go to the Brit Academy – the talent was unbelievable.”
‘Aimee has the drive to go far’
Teacher Heather says she has had to make up excuses about why Aimee has been unable to attend some classes.
She told The Courier: “From a very early age Aimee has shown a level of talent. She’s a gifted singer.
“She’s hungry for it and has the determination. She has the drive to go far.
“She loves singing, it’s in her bones.
“To stand out at her age is very brave. I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
- Aimee appears on The Voice Kids on STV/ITV at 8.30pm on Tuesday December 27. The series starts on Boxing Day
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