A TILBURY school pupil has made it through to the live auditions of an ITV talent show.

Tommy, from the Gateway Academy in Tilbury, will be performing in front of The Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am on the Voice Kids UK after he made it through the backstage auditions.

Tommy, who didn’t wish to disclose his surname, travelled up to London to take part in the primary auditions and has been rehearsing at school during his breaks, to make sure his voice was in tip top condition.

The very delighted Year 8 pupil said: “When my mum and I arrived at London, I was so happy and not one bit nervous. 

“It felt weird because I wasn’t used to the surroundings.

“Walking into the ITV studios, my first words were, ‘Am I really doing this?’

“My mum encouraged me and said ‘Tommy, you can do this and you will get through, take my word.’ I held on to that thought until my audition.

“I sang Rise Up by Andra Day acapella, and afterwards they told me I was through to Stage B.

“We met a TV presenter and two vocal coaches who said my name sounded famous! This time I sang with music, and they said I am now through to the live auditions in November.

“I felt so relieved but so, so happy! I can’t wait!”

Head of School, Miss Grainne McLaughlin, said “Tommy is an exceptionally talented, humble and hardworking student of the Gateway Academy.

“We wish him every success and with our support, we are sure he can achieve great things.

“We are very proud of him.”

The Voice Kids UK will be returning for a second season on June 10 next year.

As well as Will.I.Am, Tommy, amongst many other young hopefuls across the country, will be performing in front of Pixie Lott and McFly’s Danny Jones.

This show is a spin-off of the Voice UK, which is in sixth season and has Tom Jones, Gavin Rossdale and Jennifer Hudson as judges, alongside Will.I.Am.