Cannock singer Georgia Bray wows audiences on ITV's The Voice

Cannock's Georgia Bray wowed audiences during the blind auditions for the popular ITV show, The Voice.

The 21-year-old sang her own version of Katy Perry's pop hit 'Firework' and saw her bag a spot of singer Olly Murs' team for the next round of the competition.

Speaking to the Express & Star ahead of her performances in the battle rounds in tonight's show, Georgia said she had been 'overwhelmed' by the response from people in Staffordshire and had been inspired to start singing by her late nan Marina, who was part of Willenhall Operatics Society.

The former Birmingham Ormiston Academy musical theatre student has previously performed on the stage at the Birmingham Resorts World Arena and took part in singing competition Open Mic UK.

Olly Murs was the only judge from the panel of Jennifer Hudson, Will.i.am and Tom Jones to push his button for the Georgia leaving it right up until the last seconds of the song to do so – which she said left her 'heart pounding'.

Georgia, who lives in Calf Heath, said: "Honestly, I am still in shock after the show aired – I still can't believe it actually happened. It has been one of the most amazing, nerve wracking and rewarding experiences of my life.

"Thinking back to it, I am so grateful – Olly didn't turn for me until towards the end of the song so my heart was pounding. When he did push the button I just couldn't believe it.

"It was an amazing experience and I loved the song I chose to sing, 'Firework'. The lyrics, I wanted to make it really heartfelt – my interpretation was having that courage to believe in yourself, your dreams and goals – the perfect song for me to connect with the audience.

"Throughout my childhood I have always watched The Voice and wanted to be a part of it – they help you grow as an artist. I applied for the show when I was 16-years-old but I was not ready for it if I am honest.

"When I finished university I saw a sign for The Voice auditions – and I just thought I am ready now, this is my time. It's been absolutely crazy since."

Georgia, who previously worked in the accounts department for her dad's company Move Reports UK, added: "I have been singing since I was five-years-old but started to take it seriously when I was 10-years-old and started having lessons. My nan, Marina, was a performer. We always went to see her as a family when she performed as part of the Willenhall Operatics Society – I remember as a little girl always being so inspired by my Nanny Nina.

"That pushed me and inspired me. When she passed away I just wanted to make her proud and follow in her footsteps."

Georgia will now go on to the battle phase of the competition, which will see her go head-to-head with a fellow member of Olly’s singing team on television this weekend.

If she is successful, she will move onto further knockout rounds and then the live shows. The winner of The Voice 2019 will get to release their debut single, alongside a record deal with Polydor Records.

She said: "Next will be the battle rounds and it is all very exciting. I can't wait to see Olly again and see what song choice he has got in mind. After taking part in the blinds, I am controlling my nerves and feeling more confident, I really want to progress.

"The response I have had so far has been incredible. As soon as I finished singing on the show, I had so much love off people I didn't even know.

"I am so grateful and it is fuelling my fire – I want to do everyone proud. I want to do as well as I can do, I am in it now. I am fully focused on the competition.

"This is the biggest opportunity that has come my way."

Georgia will be on The Voice this weekend, which continues tonight at 8pm on ITV.