Music
Nervous teen’s cover of ‘Dancing in the Dark’ forces judge to flip around
He has such an incredible voice, I would've spun around too. 🤩
Jake Manning
08.22.24

Ryan Lofthouse, a young boy from Stanley Crook, County Durham, had the chance of a lifetime when he got to perform on stage with his musical hero.

His dream of becoming a rock star took a giant leap forward when he found himself singing with Danny Jones, the lead singer of McFly.

This incredible moment happened during his audition on “The Voice Kids,” a popular talent show that gives young singers a platform to showcase their abilities.

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Ryan had his heart set on joining Danny’s team and knew that picking the right song was crucial.

He chose Bruce Springsteen’s iconic hit, “Dancing in the Dark,” for his audition piece.

Although his voice wavered slightly due to nerves, Ryan poured his heart into the performance.

The judges and the audience could feel his determination and courage as he belted out the lyrics, embodying the true spirit of a rock star.

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“Dancing in the Dark” is not just any song; it has a rich and interesting history.

Bruce Springsteen wrote it during a time of frustration, when he was under pressure to create a hit single.

His manager, Jon Landau, had pushed him to come up with a chart-topping song, leading to tension between them.

Springsteen, channeling his emotions into the music, penned the song in a single night.

The result was one of his most successful hits, proving that inspiration can arise even under the most challenging circumstances.

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Ryan’s choice of “Dancing in the Dark” was a smart and strategic move.

He knew that the song’s universal appeal would resonate with the judges, especially Danny.

His unique take on the Springsteen classic did not disappoint.

Danny couldn’t resist the pull of the song and quickly hit his red button, turning his chair to face the stage.

This was the moment Ryan had been dreaming of, and the smile on his face was proof of his joy and excitement.

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But the excitement didn’t end there.

After selecting Ryan for his team, Danny joined him on stage for an impromptu duet.

They performed McFly’s hit song “Obviously,” creating a magical moment that Ryan would cherish forever.

Singing alongside one of his biggest inspirations was more than Ryan could have ever imagined when he first stepped onto that stage.

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Reflecting on his experience, Ryan couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.

“The Voice was an amazing experience. I’ve met so many amazing people,” he shared.

His gratitude for the opportunity and the people he met along the way was evident in his words.

For Ryan, being on “The Voice Kids” wasn’t just about performing; it was about experiencing something truly special.

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Ryan’s family was there to support him every step of the way.

His mom, Carolyn, dad Mal, twin brother Tom, and younger brother Declan, all cheered him on with pride.

His mom, in particular, was overjoyed, unable to contain her excitement as she watched her son’s dream come true.

She proudly said, “It was a dream come true for him. He wanted to go on because he’s a huge McFly fan, so it’s like he’s already won. It was an incredible experience.”

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Despite his nerves, Ryan overcame his fears and delivered a performance that impressed everyone.

His mom recalled,

“When we went in, he was sat on the side of the stage. He said he was nervous, but after he did his rehearsal, he came back and said it was more scary looking at the stage than being on it.”

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Ryan’s love for music shines through in everything he does.

He enjoys busking on the streets of Newcastle, sharing his talent with anyone who will listen.

Just like the lyrics from “Dancing in the Dark,” Ryan doesn’t let anything hold him back.

Watch Ryan’s audition below to hear just how incredible of a singer he is!

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