Keith Hanley Crowned The Voice of Ireland

After six rounds of blind auditions, four 'battle shows' and seven live shows from Dublin’s Helix Theatre, the Voice of Ireland was crowned tonight. Keith Hanley from Charleville in Co. Cork, came top of the public vote to win the title, securing a recording contract with Universal Ireland. Keith was one of the early favourites in the competition with both the public and the coaches. He was part of Team Jamelia – who is interviewed in the current issue of Hot Press.

Fourth place in the hugely successful competition, which attracted record audiences this year, went to Shannon Murphy from Cork, third was Shane McLaughlin, and second was Keith's fellow Corkonian Kelly Mongan.
Tracks from all four finalists were available to download during the show from iTunes for €1.29. The tracks will be available from all other platforms from Monday 29th April.

Highlight of the live show was the duet between the winner Keith Hanley and Ryan Sheridan on the latter's hit song 'Jigsaw'. During the show Shannon performed 'We Should Be Lovers' with Paul Walsh of Royseven. Kelly Mongan did 'Perfect' by Pink with Una Healy of The Saturdays. And Steve Wall of The Stunning took to the stage with Shane McLaughlin to sing the classic 'Brewing Up a Storm'.

The contestants also performed their favourite solo song of the series. Team Bressie's Shannon Murphy (18), Cork, chose 'Ho Hey' by The Lumineers; Team Kian's Kelly Mongan (19), Cork, performed 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' by Elton John. And Shane McLaughlin (28) Letterkenny, Donegal, did 'Fake' by The Frames. The ultimate winner, Keith Hanley, Cork, delivered an impressive version of 'Beggin'' by Madcon.
"Every time he performs I am overwhelmed with pride," Jameila said, to Keith's obvious delight. "If you win tonight you deserve it," Kian Egan told the young Corkonian.

And, of course, he did. Last year's winner of The Voice of Ireland was Pat Byrne....