A talented singer wowed judges on a primetime television show.
Lauren Bannon-Hayes, 27, from Weymouth, was the first contestant of the new series of The Voice to have all four judges invite her to their team.

The ITV show is based on blind auditions, where the judges – Olly Murs, Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and Jennifer Hudson – have their backs to the singer, and can press a button to turn their chairs if they want to recruit them to their team.

Lauren’s rendition of Lean On, by Major Lazer and DJ Snake saw Olly Murs turn within seconds, shortly followed by Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom and will.i.am, who turned just as she finished the song.

After feedback, Lauren chose to be on Olly’s team for the competition.

The singer/songwriter is no stranger to Weymouth, having been performing at gigs and venues in and around the town for years.

And her home was shown off at its best on the programme, with shots of Lauren walking with her wife Bex on Weymouth beach and the town bridge.

Speaking on the show, Lauren said her wife is ‘my number one fan’, adding: “I started singing as soon as I could talk. My family always believed this should be a career for me.”

Talking about her reasons for auditioning, Lauren said: “I have something to prove to myself. I don’t want to live with regrets.”

Speaking to the Dorset Echo last week, Lauren said she planned to watch the show – filmed in September – with her family on Saturday night.
Dozens of people have left messages of support on social media.

Getting feedback from the judges, Jennifer Hudson praised Lauren’s ‘great control’, adding: “Your voice is so pure and clear.”

Sir Tom told her: “I knew you had been singing for some time, you have found the way you want to present yourself as a singer and it sounds beautiful.”

Olly Murs, who has joined the show as a judge for the first time this series, jokingly reminded Lauren that he was the first judge to turn.

He added: “Your voice is incredible, it’s amazing. I have songs coming out of my head that I want you to do.”

And will.i.am pledged his support regardless of which judge Lauren picked. He said: “Whoever you pick as your coach, I would like to always be in your corner.”

Speaking after the audition, Lauren said: “I am so excited.”

The top prize on offer at the show is a recording contract with Polydor, but to get to that stage Lauren must first get through the knockout and battle rounds. The winner will be crowned by the public in a live final.