Keeley’s TV takeover
Brendan Keeley performing on 'The Voice of Ireland'.
IT appears it was the republic of Keeley television with Tullamore singer, Brendan Keeley performing on the ‘The Voice of Ireland’ while his son, Sam graced television screens in RTE’s drama, RAW last week.
No stranger to the stage, Brendan was put through his paces on the talent competition, the Voice of Ireland entertaining the show’s judges Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy, Kian Egan and Bressie with his husky version of ‘Sometimes when We Touch’.
With a contract at Universal Records as the top prize, the stakes are fairly high and Brendan was delighted when the show’s coach, Brian Kennedy chose to become his mentor. The auditioned believes that he is right coach to move into the next stages of the competition with.
The 51 year old father of three entered the talent competition last September, having “thought long and hard about it”. “I reckoned I needed too” he said as he felt that the show’s exposure would give him a boost. “I saw it as an opportunity to do this,” he added.
Describing himself as a light rock singer with a lot of power with influences that include the Eagles, Gerry Rafferty Crosby and Michael Bolton, Brendan now moves into the battle stages of the competition, which begins on February 12 next and he is looking forward to the challenge ahead. The battle stages will see Brendan perform a duo, chosen by his mentor. Brian Kennedy, who will then have to choose who goes forward to the live performances on March 4 next.
On last week’s show, the artist explained that he had never had an international release that others had recorded his song in both South Africa and Germany. “This is something left to do,” he enthused as he went before the four judges.
Following Brendan’s performance, show judge, Bressie admitted that he had seen Brendan perform at a few gigs. However, the judge explained that Brendan hadn’t “his type of voice” but was delighted that fellow coach Brian went for him. Westlife star, Kian Egan enthused that Brendan gave a “fabulous performance” and had an amazing voice but he said that the reason he didn’t go for the Tullamore artist was because he felt that he was “one directional and wasn’t sure what he could do to help him”.
Brendan’s new mentor, Brian reckoned that Brendan would be a change for him as it wasn’t “the typical voice that he would normally go for”. However, he said that he was looking forward to working with him and that it was cool he didn’t know it was Brendan Keeley.
Brian maintained he had heard something in his voice. “Maybe what I heard was someone just with a bit of fight back in them, with a bit of survival in them that had been re-awaken by the Voice of Ireland. Here’s something maybe that might re-ignite me.”
This week, there has been some criticism of the show’s format which allows already established artists to enter as well as novice performers. However, Brendan pointed out that it was a blind audition. “The judges don’t know who was performing and it is open to everyone. I am prepared to stand up there and be judged. I took the risk and it is paying off.”
Brendan jokingly said that it was like Keeley television that night as his son, Sam, is currently starring in RTE’s drama as the new character, Philip. “I am very proud of him,” his dad enthused.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with his hopes for success in the Voice of Ireland, Brendan has already had chart success in Germany with his new single, ‘You Sleep with Angels’ while his other endeavour, Tullamore Gospel Choir, recently launched its own CD in the country.
Brendan confirmed that the choir is now poised to release the CD in the UK next month.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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