The Voice UK contestant Ellie Harney has paid an emotional tribute to her late father Lee Way after her audition aired, saying her heart is "heartbroken".
Ellie appeared on Saturday night's return of the ITV talent show, where she performed Billie Eilish's Idontwannabeyouanymore in front of the coaches. While viewers watched Ellie take to the stage, she was also grieving the loss of her beloved dad.
Tribute to her father
The singer had already opened up about her devastating loss earlier this month, sharing details of her father's funeral on Instagram on August 10. Alongside the post, Ellie wrote: "I have no words right now. I feel completely broken, and I don't know how life will ever be okay again. To me, you're still right here. I love you forever Dad. My best friend in the whole world."
Following the broadcast of her audition, Ellie returned to social media with another moving message dedicated to her dad. She told her followers: "Tonight is all for you, my best friend. From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful for everyone's messages, love and support.
"My heart is hurting more than I can put into words, and I'm just so, so heartbroken that we're not sat together right now, with you singing my songs back to me all day just to prove that you knew every single lyric."
Excitement for her performance
Ellie reflected on how excited her father would have been to see her perform on the programme. She continued: "I've genuinely never seen someone so excited for anything in my life haha, and I know you'll be right there with me tonight, probably singing louder than anyone.
"I love you always, my Dad. I promise I will never stop singing, and I'll keep sharing that magical connection you gifted me with everyone who needs to feel it. Everything I do, you'll be a part of. Tonight is for you."
Audition success
Ellie's appearance saw her catch the attention of coaches Tom and Danny, who both turned around for the singer during her performance. She ultimately chose to join Team Tom and Danny after impressing the pair with her rendition.
The emotional audition comes as The Voice UK returned to screens on Saturday night, with Ellie among the singers hoping to make their mark during the latest series. For Ellie, the performance carried an especially personal meaning as she navigated the loss of the man she described as her "best friend".
Her latest tribute makes clear just how important her father was to her, with the singer promising to continue performing and sharing the connection with music that she says he gave her. As Ellie prepares for the next stage of her Voice journey, she will do so with her dad firmly in her thoughts, dedicating her performance to him and vowing: "I promise I will never stop singing."
