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Medway singer and former MidKent College student Jamie Johnson aims to impress judges on The Voice on BBC One

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Medway singer Jamie Johnson will appear on television screens across the country tonight as he looks to impress the judges on The Voice.

The 19-year-old sings in the blind auditions, hoping new mentors Kylie Minogue and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson or established judges Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am will turn their chairs for him.

If at least one does turn, he will be through to the next round of the talent contest with more chances to sing on national TV.

Teenager Jamie Johnson, from Gillingham, on The Voice
Teenager Jamie Johnson, from Gillingham, on The Voice

Jamie, from Gillingham, said he has been singing from a very early age.

"My mum even told me the first song I sang properly was the rhyme Now I Know My ABCs.

"I used to sing in my grandparents' garden as well so I have always sung.

"My dad was also an inspiration to me. He used to always sing around the house and I think that's where I picked it up from."

Singer Jamie Johnson performs in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone
Singer Jamie Johnson performs in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone

Jamie attended Brompton Academy before moving on to MidKent College. It was while at school he started to perform in public.

"One day I was walking past the music block and heard a girl singing I Believe I Can Fly by
R Kelly and thought 'that is what I want to do'.

"I went in and told her I liked music and we rehearsed together. Eventually we were put into an assembly by our deputy headmaster so we could perform in front of everyone."

Joseph Apostol is a former semi-finalist on the show
Joseph Apostol is a former semi-finalist on the show

Jamie decided to try out for The Voice after speaking to his friend Joseph Apostol, 22, also from Gillingham, who reached the semi-final last year under mentor Sir Tom.

"My dad was also an inspiration to me. He used to always sing around the house and I think that's where I picked it up from..." - singer Jamie Johnson

"He told me that I had to do it and that it was an amazing experience," said Jamie.

"We are really good friends so I went for it and now I hope I can do as well as he did."

Although Jamie is used to performing in clubs and pubs, he admitted singing in front of the famous four was more intimidating.

"It is a nerve-wracking experience standing up on stage and singing to the judges," he said. "It was an amazing experience and something I would suggest to anyone, but it is terrifying.

"I got to speak to them after I performed and they were really nice, down-to-earth people.

"They gave me some advice and a bit of critique but they were extremely friendly."

Judge Kylie Minogue was thrilled with Jamie's performance
Judge Kylie Minogue was thrilled with Jamie's performance

Jamie previously auditioned for The X Factor on ITV but, after progressing through a couple of rounds, heard nothing more.

He said: "The Voice is all about singing and that's what I liked.

"With this format you don't have to have the six pack or be the best looking, you can just focus on your music."

Jamie will be performing on The Voice, on BBC One from 7pm today.

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