A musical duo from Blackwood have made it through the first round of auditions on talent show The Voice UK, and will be mentored through the process by Welsh singing legend Sir Tom Jones.
Dane Lloyd and Taylor Jones, also known as Into The Ark, featured on Saturday’s episode – the first of the new series since it moved from the BBC to ITV.
The duo performed a soulful cover of Elvis Presley’s Burning Love for the opening blind audition, where judges Gavin Rossdale, Sir Tom Jones, Samantha Hudson and Will.I.Am sit with backs turned to performers.
Rossdale, Hudson, and Sir Tom had all turned by the end of the performance, but there was only one mentor the Blackwood pair would consider.
Dane Lloyd, 25, said: “Sir Tom is a living, breathing Welsh legend – that’s why [we chose him]. And our Mums would have killed us if we’d have chosen anyone else.
“Seriously, Sir Tom’s career spans six decades and he’s seen this industry change loads over that time and we felt his experience and input could be invaluable to us.”
Taylor Jones, 20, added: “We’re massive fans of the early 60s and 70s, which Tom played a significant part in, he’s sang and hung out with many of our musical heroes and inspirations.
“He appreciates soul music which is what we’re trying to create.”
The duo now advance to the battle round, where they will perform against a fellow contestant on Team Tom.
In September, Into The Ark released their debut single My Ghost, which received significant airtime on BBC Radio Wales, as did their December release, Brightest Creatures, which also featured as the soundtrack to Match of the Day’s Premier League goal montage on the New Year’s Eve programme.
The pair can also boast sold out shows at The Social, London and Blackwood Miners’ Institute, and have supported Scottish songwriter Paolo Nutini.