THE BOY WHO’S FINDING HIS VOICE
FOR a Cardiff lad who’s been singing his heart out since he was in primary school, this weekend could be one of the biggest of his life.
Jamie Miller has made it through to the semi-finals of The Voice as part of judge Jennifer Hudson’s team and tomorrow’s show will decide whether he proceeds to the final.
It’s a safe bet to say Jamie’s biggest fans are the two people who have watched him grow into a confident singer ever since he was given a microphone at just 18 months old: his proud parents James – also known as Jamie – and Anne.
Both from Scotland, the couple met 27 years ago in Tenerife while they were both on holiday.
Jamie was already living in Wales after a holiday to visit family turned into a working holiday, and Anne then followed him to Cardiff three months after they met.
They married in August 1992 and have stayed in Cardiff ever since, settling in Pontprennau, where they raised Natalie, 24, and Nadia, 23 – and youngest Jamie.
Clearly proud as punch at how far their son has progressed in the competition, the pair are hopeful Jamie can make it all the way to the final.
Dad Jamie, 52, said: “We bought him a microphone. It was pink and yellow and he just wouldn’t put it down. He was walking round the house in his nappy singing into this mic.”
Jamie’s talent for both singing and dancing flourished at St Bernadette’s Primary with plays and nativity scenes at Christmas, with teachers spurring him on.
Dad Jamie said: “They believed in Jamie right from day one. In his final school report card, all the teachers gave out ‘do not forget us when you become a star.’”
After moving to Corpus Christi RC High School, Jamie focused on singing and started doing gigs when he was aged around 16.
Anne said: “That’s when his confidence started to grow. He started writing his own songs then.
“He’s very shy. As soon as he gets on that stage, he’s just a different kid.”
Jamie left school aged 16 and was working in tech support Tesco House’s call centre just a couple of months ago before he featured on The Voice.
Jamie is joined by fellow Welsh act Into The Ark – Taylor Jones and Dane Lloyd from Blackwood – on The Voice who are on Sir Tom Jones’ team.
The Voice continues tomorrow on ITV.