Talented Eltham singer impresses judges on The Voice

A 21-year-old singer from Eltham has wowed judges on the blind auditions of ITV’s talent show The Voice.

Nathan Smoker sang Tom Odell’s powerful song Can’t Pretend causing judges Olly Murs and Anne-Marie to turn around almost immediately.

Sir Tom Jones was also impressed by the singer’s talents, pressing his button in the last moments of the performance.

Mr Smoker said the experience was nerve-wracking.

He said: “I was kind of alright, because I was focused on one spot and tried to get in my own zone.

“But Anne-Marie and Olly turned really early, and once they turned round it was like wow, I’m in the same room as these people and it was a bit intense really. It kind of put me off a little bit.”

Mr Smoker chose to be on Team Olly for the next stage of the show.

He has continued to impress on the show, beating singer Leah Cobb in the battle stage last Saturday.

The singer was asked by a friend who was involved in the show if he wanted to audition, and after a few online try-outs he sang in front of the judges in October.

Mr Smoker said he didn’t expect to be chosen by any of the judges.

He said: “I went out there not actually thinking I would get a turn to be honest with you.

“And when Olly, Anne-Marie and Tom turned round I was speechless.

“After the audition I think I just stood there and said thank you about 800 times. It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.”

The music production graduate chose to sing the Tom Odell song because it showcased his range.

He said: “If you’ve only got a minute and a half to show off you want to do something that shows you off in the best possible light.

“But also I think it’s a really emotional song, it’s a powerful song and that’s why I love it.”

Mr Smoker has been performing for most of his life, including performing in Oliver in the West End when he was eight.

He credits some of his success to his parents who have always been supportive of his music.

He said: “I’m grateful because it’s quite easy to get disillusioned and think I’ll just do something that’s a bit more stable, but my parents always said ‘no, this is what you should be doing,’ I’m very lucky.”

Main pic: Nathan Smoker is on the TV talent show The Voice