Filipina singer Irene Alano-Rhodes, 42-year-old widow, performed her fantastic rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” during the third blind auditions of The Voice UK 2016.
Her performance earned a two-chair turn from judge Will.i.am and Ricky Wilson. Both judges pressed their buzzers towards the end of her performance.
Will.i.am said, “I turned around because you have an amazing voice, you took it there, you peaked. But towards the end, I thought if you continued the fight, she might not be able to fight, but you continued. I like a fighter. You controlled my hand and pushed my button. I would like you to be on my team to officially be a part of our family”,
Ricky Wilson, “That was simply wonderful and you got the sentiment of the song across. I loved it. It was one of those voices that reached over the chairs into our hearts. I guarantee you that happened not just to us, but it went down the lense to everyone’s sofas. There will have been a national standing ovation”.
Irene eventually joined Team Will and will advance to the show’s next battle rounds of the competition.
Watch her performance below.
In 1995, Irene became one of only 12 actors to be cast in the West End production of “Miss Saigon” where she played Gigi. She was subsequently cast in other West End musicals including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “The King and I.”