Macclesfield Express

Andrew tunes out of TV race but will make voice heard

- ALEX SCAPENS

THE music finally stopped for The Voice contestant Andrew Bateup as he was knocked out of the competitio­n.

But the 31-year-old, from Macclesfie­ld is now hoping the exposure the ITV talent show has given him will be a platform for his singing career.

Andrew agonisingl­y fell at the pre-recorded semi-final hurdle and this was shown on Saturday night, March 13.

It brings to an end a year-long quest that began, just before lockdown, on March 13 2020, when he was invited to audition on the strength of performanc­es on social media.

Andrew, who lives off Buxton Road, said: “It has been a long journey but a really worthwhile one and I’ve loved it.

“It has been unforgetta­ble.

“I’ve learned a lot and I am looking forward to what is round the corner. I’d like to record an album, make music and get it out there.

“Everyone wants to win, that’s the competitiv­e side of life but for me it is also about the platform, no one had heard my voice now four million people (viewers) have.” Andrew initially impressed judges with a rendition of Michael Bolton’s How Am I Supposed to Live Without You at the blind audition stage and had Olly Murs as his mentor.

On Saturday viewers saw him perform Bryan

Adams’s epic 1991 number one Everything I Do, which again got an enthusiast­ic response from the celebrity judges.

But Andrew came up just short in a public vote, losing out on a place in the live final to rival singer Grace Holden.

Previously he has starred in stage musicals and that is another avenue he is hoping to pursue once the entertainm­ent industry gets going again.

He also gives singing lessons, which currently are over Zoom.

Andrew, who lives with his fiancee, Charlotte, and miniature labradoodl­e, Penny, said:

“It is now a case of how proactive you are individual­ly.

“I am planning to write and record as much music as possible and get it out there on social media.

“I moved to Macclesfie­ld not that long before lockdown so I’m also looking forward to getting to know the area.”

 ??  ?? Andrew Bateup performing in the semi-finals of The Voice
Andrew Bateup performing in the semi-finals of The Voice

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