When Sophie May Williams sang “Time After Time” on The Voice UK, it quickly turned into a nail-biting performance that’s since been viewed millions of times.
On TV competition shows like The Voice or the Idol series, you never know how the judges are going to react to a contestant. Sometimes they love the same ones we do – and other times it can be vice-versa.
Everyone surrounding Sophie May was on pins and needles waiting to see if one of the celebrity coaches would actually press their button during her blind audition.
Sophie May was a 17-year-old with an old soul. She walked out into the spotlight wearing a vintage silver dress, red lipstick, and a kerchief in her hair. It was a look that matched her “old-school” tastes.
Growing up, Sophie May developed her love for the classics because of the music her grandfather would play. She began appreciating the sounds of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and others.
In an interview with BBC One, the teen explained.
“I love anything vintage, I love the mystery of it and I idolise glamorous women from the past like Marilyn Monroe. Where I live in Wakefield it’s hard to express yourself – you get stared at if you wear anything too different. My tastes have always been different – I love putting a jazz twist on life.”
Although she plays the clarinet, piano, and saxophone – Sophie May’s favorite instrument to use is her voice. For this reason, she was ready to show the world her singing abilities and The Voice UK was the perfect platform.
With how much Sophie May cherishes the music of the past it only makes sense that she chose a classic hit to audition with. Cyndi Lauper’s 1984 song “Time After Time” was actually the musician’s first number-one single.
The coaches’ chairs are all facing away when the teen opens her mouth to sing. The voice that emerges is one that’ll leave you in goosebumps.
Sophie May has a soulful sound that mirrors her taste for the classics. She’s even a fan of the late Amy Winehouse who too incorporated jazz, soul, and rhythm & blues into her music.
Immediately the judges’ ears perk up by what they hear. They look around at each other with satisfied glances – and legendary artist Tom Jones utters the word, “Nice.”
Sophie May’s supporters notice how well she’s being received and let out cheers from behind the stage. However, even though it seems that the judges are about to slam their buttons – they don’t.
For a couple of moments, will.i.am closes his eyes and drifts away into Sophie May’s dreamy rendition of “Time After Time.” It’s no wonder, it’s an incredible performance that sounds like it’s from a jazz club.
The other coaches seem on the edge of their seats making everyone wonder who (if anyone) will make a move. Finally, it reaches the last notes of the song and surprisingly, no one has turned around.
But then a small miracle takes place. Without a moment to spare, American rapper will.i.am presses his button choosing the teen to be part of his team. Talk about a nerve-racking audition!
Many viewers have been impressed with Sophie May’s haunting voice. Some even believe she should have had more judges turning.
You can form your own opinion by watching the audition below!
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