Sir Tom Jones was left speechless during the latest episode of The Voice UK. The Welsh music icon returned to television on Saturday (October 3) for the final blind audition round, appearing alongside fellow coaches will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, and Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.
Mother and son connection
18-year-old Regan Preece from Swansea was the opening hopeful to perform in front of the judging panel. He was accompanied by his mother Shellyann, who had competed on the programme a decade earlier. Footage showed the family revisiting his mother's original audition before Regan's own performance.
"Being on set, all the bright lights, the loud music - that inspired me. I kind of want to follow in her footsteps," Regan explained, reports Wales Online.
Rugby and singing
Beyond his vocal talents, Regan revealed that he also plays rugby daily. "With rugby and singing, eventually I will have to choose one. I'm constantly in two minds, but we'll see what the future holds for me," he said.
Backstage, Shellyann was seen telling her son: "This is your time now." Regan shared with cameras: "Mum got to the knockouts on the show, and that was probably a feeling I'll never forget, like how proud my mum made everyone. So today, I'm making my family proud. It means more than the world to me."
Shellyann reflected: "Watching Regan today, this is like full circle. And it chokes me up." She then composed herself, saying: "Pull yourself together, Shelly!"
Audition performance
Regan delivered a breathtaking performance of Zach Bryan's 2022 track Something in the Orange, with Sir Tom and McFly's Tom and Danny quickly turning their chairs. The coaches were then left astonished when Regan disclosed that his mother had previously competed on the programme.
"I do know someone you know," Regan told Sir Tom, who appeared visibly taken aback. The contestant added: "So, my mum was on the show in 2015." Shellyann then joined them on stage and expressed her pride after watching her son perform. She said: "It's pretty amazing this, to see my baby do his thing and have his moment. It's the best feeling in the world!"
Coach selection and reaction
Regan subsequently performed a duet with Danny Jones, which prompted enthusiastic applause from the audience. The youngster ultimately selected Danny and Tom Fletcher as his mentors. Addressing Tom Jones, Regan said: "Tom, I'm very, very sorry."
Audiences were swift to share their responses following the audition. "Danny Jones duetting with Regan!" one viewer posted on X. Another commented: "Lovely stuff from Regan to get 2 turns there. Also made to think that his mum was on the show 11 years ago. A very talented mother and son, clearly." Someone else remarked: "Yes Tom, Regan is so good."
The Voice UK is available to stream on ITVX.
