WITH his husky, gravelly voice, Paddy O Riordan from Kesh showcased his unique sound when talent show The Voice rolled into Enniskillen on Monday. 
Influenced by the late Johnny Cash, the Tipperary born singer who has spent years singing in prison ministries, addiction centres and churches performed for members of the hit ITV show with a specially written song.
None of the star judges such as Will.i.am, Gavin Rossdale, Jennifer Hudson or Tom Jones were in town during the showcase event at South West College as 30 would-be stars of the future performed for the show’s team in the hope of being chosen for the audition process in Belfast. 
Before he took his place in front of the small panel, Mr. O Riordan said he was feeling confident.
“When I get a phone call to play somewhere, I play, I have no problem in doing that. Some suggested I enter this competition so I here I am,” he told The Impartial Reporter. 
“A lot of people think I sound like Johnny Cash because of the depth of my voice, I’ve made a few pounds over the years from busking.”
Mr. O Riordan sings mostly spiritual songs and hopes he will be chosen for The Voice.
“Johnny Cash had a problem with addiction, alcohol, I also had a problem. I’ve been clean for seven years. I go to meetings. I got help from God, from praying. I’ve battled addiction. I can identify with his story and I am used to the public. I hope it goes well,” he said. 
Student Stephanie Phair had been studying a number of different courses, including childcare and now counselling, but is keen to explore the possibility of pursuing a music career. 
“There’s no way I can let this one go. I haven’t performed on my own anywhere, I used to do gigs with my band but then it crashed. I think I have selective confidence, I wouldn’t be able to make a phone call but I can do this,” laughed the 21 year old. 
Neil Duffy from Maguiresbridge admitted he was feeling excited and nervous ahead of performing his version of Unwell by Matchbox Twenty.
“My previous stage performances have probably killed my nerves,” said the 21 year old South West College student who gained experience with bands and musical performances while studying at St. Michael’s College in Enniskillen. 
“I would like to say I am a rocker but I don’t really fit the image and The Voice is kind of struggling these days. Maybe I am not as nervous as I should be,” he said.
18 year old Leah Durnion from Irvinestown performed Songbird by Eva Cassidy for the panel, a song she believes best suits her voice.
The Mount Lourdes student, who is originally from New York, only recently started singing.
“Maybe in the last two years I have been taking it more seriously and have been singing at weddings. I thought it would be a good opportunity to do this,” she said.