Kelly Rowland was moved to tears during the latest episode of The Voice UK, after contestant Aaren dedicated his blind audition to his grandmother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 24-year-old ambulance care assistant from Warrington was the final performer of the day on Saturday (September 5), and before taking to the stage he spoke about the support he had received behind the scenes.
Aaren's emotional tribute to his nan
Aaren shared: “I live with my nan, she means the absolute world to me, she’s like a second mum.” He went on to reveal that his nan had been diagnosed with breast cancer, adding: “There was a level of uncertainty there, whether we would have to say goodbye, when that would be, so I moved over to look after her.”
His nan praised him as “such a lovely person, inside and out”, and added: “This is all you’ve wanted to do.” Aaren said: “This is one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve done, and probably ever will do. But the amount of times my nan will say, I wish I’d have done this when I was younger. I don’t ever want to get older and have any regrets, I want to be able to say that I’ve tried.”
Coaches turn for Aaren
After his performance, both Kelly and Sir Tom Jones turned around, hoping to win Aaren onto their team. Kelly explained: “I turned around because I love a male soulful voice, that wants to croon. Like nobody sings from their gut, heart and soul anymore… it’s a talent.”
As she heard about Aaren’s nan, she broke down in tears, saying: “That was sweet, to watch him love his grandmother like that, I love that.” She added: “You always want them to have this really sweet space for a woman who is a rock in their life.”
Kelly's reaction after the auditions
After the auditions came to an end, Kelly added: “Aaren had me moved to tears, he just makes me kind of putty. He’s so honest, he was a really special guy so I’m really excited.”
Earlier in the episode, a Scottish singer made history by becoming the first contestant to be given the Rewind, a new format feature that allows a coach to bring an act back if they realise they have made a mistake. The Voice UK is available to watch on ITVX.
