Zimbabwe’s Blessing Chitapa wins The Voice UK

The Dudley-based teenager, who was mentored by English singer Olly Murs, triumphed against Jonny Brooks. She performed Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’ and James Bay’s ‘Hold Back the River’ at the final. 

“I am so proud of how far I have come and I’m so intrigued to see what the future holds for me,” Chitapa said. “I’m hoping my new single ‘Angels’ can bless and inspire people to think about a certain someone in their life who has always been there for them.”

She said she was “so happy to have sung on this stage. It has been an honour and my privilege and it has been unforgettable.” The contest had been her “biggest achievement yet.”

Murs said: “Blessing absolutely deserves to be crowned the winner of this year’s Voice UK. I’ve always believed in her from the start, and to think that I was the only coach who turned for her is amazing.

”She’s got an incredible voice, infectious personality and has a bright future ahead of her. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

The Voice UK had filmed its blind audition stage and much of the show before the country went into its first COVID-19 lockdown earlier this year. The event came to a halt due to the pandemic and returned to TV screens in October following a seven-month break.

Chitapa moved to the UK at the age of seven in 2009 and was raised in a family of gospel singers. She is the daughter of a pastor and reverend at a local church in Dudley.