Round 2 of The Voice of Central & East Region Singing Competition took place on Sunday 29th November. Four competitors from Trent Wing each sang in order to gain votes from the Judges; hoping to be picked for their teams and make it into the Judges Cut on Saturday 13th December.
After Warrant Officer Michael Webb had introduced the four judges (See earlier post – https://www.centraleast-rafac.org.uk/archives/6105) the proceedings got off to a fantastic start with the first contestant, Cadet Sergeant Lauren Griffen from 2160 (Sleaford) Squadron. Sergeant Griffen sang the Sam Smith version of “How Will I Know”. Originally a Whitney Houston hit, Sergeant Griffen chose the much slower version which suited her extremely well. After receiving votes from all four judges she chose Warrant Officer Hall’s team.
The next act up was Cadet Corporal Samuel Hughes from 866 (Immingham) Squadron. Corporal Hughes did a fantastic version of “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott, his deep tones lending the song some quality. Two judges voted for Corporal Hughes and he chose to be on Squadron Leader James’ team for the next round.
In true “Voice” style the next contestant, Cadet Scarlett Renshaw from 1803 (Hucknall) Squadron, performed without a camera so the judges were forced to assess the performance on singing alone. All four judges voted for Cadet Renshaw’s version of “Riptide” by Vance Joy but ultimately Warrant Officer Eyre was the chosen one. Cadet Renshaw, today’s youngest entrant, now joins his team for the Judges Cut.
The final competitor from Trent Wing was Cadet Grace Hearn of 203 (Gainsborough) Squadron. Cadet Hearn sang a brilliant acapella version of “Titanium” by David Guetta. All four judges again voted and attempted to woo Cadet Hearn onto their team but she chose Warrant Officer Hall in the end.
This leaves the judges standings as follows after two of the six Wing rounds:-
- Warrant Officer Donna Hall – 3 Singers
- Warrant Officer Nathan Eyre & Squadron Leader Paul James – 2 Singers each
- Warrant Officer Paul Roberts – 1 Singer
Wing Commander Tony Wright, Commanding Officer of Trent Wing said “I was very proud of the cadets from Trent this afternoon for both the originality and quality of their performances on the competition. It was a real thrill and I thank them all and look forward to the finals. Thanks must also go to the judges who had a tough time not only choosing and marking, but having to be picked as well!”
The next round is Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing on Monday 30th November.