Moya, whose real name is Emily Andrews, sailed through her blind audition, with all four of the show’s judges – singers Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Jennifer Hudson and Olly Murs – turning around their chairs to show they wanted the 27-year-old singer to go through to the next stage of the competition as part of their team.
Unlike most talent shows, The Voice judges do not get to see the acts during their auditions. If they like what they hear, they can turn their chairs around.
Moya has already been tipped as one of the early favourites to win the competition following her version of Rag ’n’ Bone Man’s Grace.
The singer, who has previously supported Sir Rod Stewart on tour and who was on the cusp of a music career, said the show had ‘made me believe in myself again’.
She added: ‘I am still getting my head around what is actually happening. I have been so overwhelmed by the love and support I have got from complete strangers – that blows my mind.
‘It just shows how ten minutes of TV can completely change your world.
‘When we filmed it, it was the most amazing day and definitely one of the most special days of my life.
‘After having such a crazy journey within the music industry I really lost my confidence. To come back into something like this and get the feedback I did is incredible.’
Moya hopes the show can give her a second chance at cracking the music industry after releasing an album aged 22.
She said: ‘I was never signed to a label – it was all self-released. I was just in the right place at the right time with the right person to help me.
‘To know you have been close before and that it can be taken away quite quickly
is scary.
‘This has made me feel a bit braver.’
Moya, who works for the Jersey charity Music in Action, which provides a musical education programme for the Island’s children, joined Jennifer Hudson’s team – despite her mum urging her to join Olly Murs’ team – and will now compete in the battle rounds on The Voice.
The next stage of the competition will see Moya pitted against one of the other members of Jennifer Hudson’s team, with the superstar judge ultimately deciding who goes through.
‘I really respect her and wanted to learn from her,’ Moya said.
‘Jennifer Hudson came from a talent show, has won an Oscar and is an incredible vocalist. I just wanted to be able to pick her brain.’
In 2014, fellow Islander Jamie Lovatt appeared on The Voice, reaching the Battle Rounds before being knocked out. Moya’s second appearance on the show is due to air in the next few weeks.
