A Weymouth singer’s dream is one step closer to becoming a reality after she blew millions of viewers away on a prime-time talent show.

27-year-old Lauren Bannon sailed through to the final of The Voice after her soulful rendition of ‘In The Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins in the first live show of the series on Saturday.

The song opened with a dramatic view of Lauren lying on the stage with her backing dancers, before she finished with a powerhouse performance which showed off the true extent of her talent.

The fate of each contestant was left in the hands of the public vote, and crowds screamed as it was revealed that Lauren would be one of the four who made it through to next week’s final where she’ll be up against Donel Mangena, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Belle Voci.

Speaking to the Echo, Lauren said: “It doesn't feel like real life.

“It’s surreal, but it feels amazing. It was ten times better than any of the other shows because it was live, and the atmosphere was electric.”

Despite it being a cause for huge celebration, Lauren had no time to waste and was back in the studio early on Sunday morning preparing for next week’s show.

She said: “I’m nervous because we’ve got to learn two new songs this week, as well as perform an old one if we get through. There’s a lot more to learn.”

Lauren is already a well-known face around Weymouth, having performed live gigs in the town for several years, including at the Rendezvous pub which temporarily stopped its popular Quayside Music Festival on Saturday night to screen her TV performance.

Now, she's a step closer to becoming a superstar and a household name.

But there have been hard times too, as Lauren explains how it feels to say goodbye to her fellow contestants at each round.

She said: "We are so close. Last night was probably the hardest because as much as we're happy to get through, you say goodbye to people you have built a strong bond and a friendship with."

And Lauren, who is studying music production at Southampton Solent University, had nothing but praise for her celebrity coach Olly Murs.

She said: "He's helped me bring out who I am instead of trying to make me into something different."

Following her performance on the night, Olly said: “That was amazing.

“I wanted you to do that song because I knew you’d smash it."

And later on he tweeted: "@LaurenBannon1 that was unreal babe! Something in the air tonight and its that you have to make this final."

The live final of The Voice will air on Saturday, April 7 on ITV.