Riccardo Atherton stars in The Voice Kids!

BRGS students and staff were glued to the screen for the debut episode of The Voice Kids on ITV which aired on Saturday 10^th June as they supported BRGS pupil Riccardo Atherton.  They had to wait on tenterhooks throughout the programme until he made his appearance to wow the judges in the final audition of the night.

Riccardo performed his take on Jennifer Hudson’s version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and the audience were blown away by his moving rendition.  Riccardo won the judges over, with not just one of the star coaches turning around, but a clean sweep of all three. 

Will.i.am, Pixie Lott and McFly’s Danny Jones said his performance gave them ‘goosebumps’ with Will.i.am telling Riccardo “you sound spectacular”.  Ringing praise also from Pixie Lott who exclaimed: “Your voice sounds insane.”

Riccardo’s decision-making skills were then in the spotlight as he had to quickly decide which judge he wanted to coach him.  Tactfully saying that they were all amazing, he then made his ultimate choice of Pixie due to their shared admiration of Mariah Carey.  Pixie stated: “I think we have the same influences, so we can do the right songs.  I would absolutely love to work with you.”  Another connection was that Pixie shares her real name, Victoria, with Riccardo’s Italian grandmother, Vittorina. She proclaimed that it was “fate” and “meant to be”.  

On the show, Riccardo said:  “I want to make my grandma proud and my parents and everyone who’s come to watch – and I hope I do them proud.”  All at BRGS are certainly proud and can’t wait for the next instalment!