A qualified nurse from Blackheath has been crowned the champion of ITV’s The Voice 2022.
In tonight’s The Voice UK 2022 final, singer Anthonia Edwards has been crowned champion of the eleventh series of the iconic entertainment show.
Mentored by winning coach Sir Tom Jones, Anthonia is a 25-year-old qualified nurse from Blackheath and has won the coveted title of The Voice UK 2022 winner, and a recording contract with EMI.
Anthonia’s winning single, Anyone, is available to stream now.
Anthonia said: “Winning The Voice was unexpected, but really welcome at this stage in my life. Given that I'm a registered nurse, but I get to explore this side of myself right now, it's really cool and I’m super grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to the journey that lies ahead.”
On recording Anyone, Anthonia added: “It's been really fun covering this Justin Bieber song, and it's great that I get to do it in this way.
“I loved working on the arrangements and making it feel like it's my version of the song. I wanted to create something that's based on Justin, but it's my own version as well, and I'm just excited for what's ahead music wise.”
Hosted by Emma Willis, The Voice saw coaches Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Olly Murs and Anne-Marie return for a second year together to hunt for the UK’s next singing sensation, back in the famous spinning chairs and in front of a full studio audience.
Sir Tom Jones supported Anthonia throughout the competition to the win, earning the Welsh singing legend his third The Voice UK coaching victory.
He said: "I am so proud to be crowning this year's winner, Anthonia.
“Her voice and talent rose above a very competitive field and speaks for itself, so I am by no means surprised she is our series 11 winner.
“When I first heard her at the blinds, I knew she had something really special; having the opportunity to work with her this series has been nothing but joy from beginning to end.
“She deserves much respect for both her abilities and work ethic, so I’m excited for her future.
“If she ever needs advice or even a chat, I’m here to help, if I can."
Following an initial emotional performance of Katy Perry’s Unconditionally in the Blind Auditions, Anthonia impressed the coaches and secured an elusive 4 Chair Turn, before selecting Sir Tom Jones, who turned first, to coach her through the rest of the competition.
Wowing the coaches in The Callbacks with her performance of U2’s Pride (In The Name of Love) and in the Semi-Final with her rendition of Kesha’s Praying, Anthonia joined fellow finalists Naomi Johnson (Team Will), Mark Howard (Team Anne-Marie), and David Adeogun (Team Olly) to compete for the crown in this evening’s final.
The final saw the four coaches take to the stage for a performance of Shine by Emeli Sande.
Viewers were also treated to a performance from The Voice UK 2021 winner Craig Eddie, who sang his latest single The Outside.
Each of the four finalists then fought for the crown with Mark Howard performing One Last Time by Ariana Grande, David Adeogun performing You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, Naomi Johnson performing Fighter by Christina Aguilera and Anthonia performed when the party’s over by Billie Eilish.
The final four also got the unique opportunity to duet with their coaches.
Mark Howard and Anne-Marie took to the stage to perform Viva Forever by the Spice Girls, Naomi Johnson and will.i.am sang Crazy in Love by Beyonce, David Adeogun and Olly Murs performed Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John, followed by Anthonia Edwards and Sir Tom Jones singing It’s a Man’s Man’s World by James Brown.
The studio and virtual audience then voted David Adeogun and Anthonia Edwards through to sing for one last time.
David performed his rendition of Diamonds by Rihanna and Anthonia performed her rendition of Anyone by Justin Bieber, their respective winners singles, the audience made their final decision of the night and voted Anthonia Edwards as the winner of the show.
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