‘He gave me goosebumps’: Singer wows TV judges with Andrea Bocelli hit

When it comes to TV talent shows, they can often feel a little repetitive as hopefuls battle it out in a bid to become the next big thing. But one such hopeful in the UK left viewers speechless with an unexpected opera performance.

Luke Swatman, from Worcester, England, blew the judges away on Saturday night’s episode of BBC singing competition The Voice UK.

The singer delivered an incredibly powerful rendition of ‘Il Mare Calmo Della Sera’, much to the delight of judges Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson and Will.I.Am

However the show has a twist as the judges unable to see the acts, only hear them – and all four judges were visibly stunned as Luke began to belt out the Andrea Bocelli hit, with Olly muttering “amazing” and “beautiful” throughout the song.

And it wasn’t just the judges who were impressed as Luke’s proud mum could also be seen crying backstage as she watched her son perform.

Viewers at home were also moved by the performance and many took to Twitter to applaud Luke for his powerful performance, describing him as a “real talent”, and even pegging him to win the entire show.

One wrote: Opera is now music I would listen to from choice but I can appreciate the real talent and power of a voice like Luke’s. It was beautiful. Maybe someone with an operative voice should win because we haven’t heard anything commercial from past winners.”

#TheVoiceUK Opera is not music i would listen to from choice but I can appreciate the real talent and power of a voice like Lukes. It was beautiful. Maybe someone with an operatic voice should win because we haven't heard anything commercial from past winners

— Linzi Rainbow (@LinziRainbow) January 19, 2019

One said: “Wow…not my usual thing but what a singer… he gave me goosebumps.” And another wrote: “There’s not enough ginger opera singers out there …… loved him!”

Thank you to the beautiful @EmmaWillis for taking care of my mum! Your warmth just radiates any room you’re in! More beautiful in the flesh than the 📺 (didn’t think that was possible!) #TheVoiceUK #SWATPAV pic.twitter.com/CQWNVHztP6

— Luke Swatman – 'The Worcester Pavarotti' (@SwatPav) January 19, 2019

And Luke responded to his new fanbase, tweeting a message of thanks to those who supported him after the show had aired. He wrote: “Cannot thank you all enough for your messages on social media! My phone is going to melt! I will get back to you all but please bear with me! I’m on quadrupole figures here! Overwhelmed!”

He also thanked show host Emma Willis for “looking after his mum”.

Are you a fan of opera? Were you impressed by Luke’s performance?