THE Voice UK has become embroiled in a fix row after it emerged that a singer who has already had a record deal has been offered a place on this years show.
Singer and pianist Billy Lockett has an impressive showbiz career, supporting Lana Del Ray on tour and even performing on James Cordon’s Late Late show in the US.
His turn on ITV’s The Voice is likely to be met with some controversy as the shows purpose is to discover unsigned talent and those who’ve not been gifted the opportunities that Billy has enjoyed already.
The musician revealed his involvement on the show with a message on social media, he said: “The cat is out the bag, I am going to be on The Voice. Ps: wait till you see my mum on it. Operation make my mum famous is going swmmingly.”
The Northampton-born singer was encouraged to sing and play the piano by his ‘crazy hippy dad.”
After a while he music gained traction and he was playlisted by Radio 1 before being invited to tour with singers, Lana Del Rey, Birdy and KT Tunstall. But then sadly his died and the singer was so overcome with grief that in his own words, he went off the rails.
He then moved back to London and signed another record deal which saw him touring with Lewis Capaldi before he ‘made friends with James Corden.’
According to the singer, his career has been quite the roller coaster so far. Writing on his website he said:
“Moved back to my dad’s old house (with cat). Wrote and recorded an EP called Reset. Became mates with James Corden. Performed live on the Late Late Show. Got new managers. Wrote, recorded, performed and self-released a modern classical piano-only album. It charted and got played on Classic FM. At the same time a DnB track I sang on was getting played on Radio 1. Made history as the first artist to do that.”
But despite his brilliant start and high profile connections, it seems that Billy is still searching for the mainstream recognition necessary to make him a star.
Following his announcement on social media, a slew of friends and followers rushed to congratulate him.
One said: “A great opportunity for many more to hear how brilliant you are.”
Another said: “So stoked for you and for everyone who gets to hear you now that hasn’t.”
Meanwhile another said: “ You got for it Billy, whatever extra success you get you deserve.”
And the comedian Sean Walsh posted a series of hearts and hand clapping emojis.
Perhaps the ITV talent show could provide the platform Billy now needs to succeed.
