The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
GEORGE DOES CITY PROUD
PLAUDITS FOR VOICE KIDS FINALIST:
Peterborough MP Paul Bristow tabled a Parliamentary motion praising George Elliott, the city youngster who won through to the final of TV’s The Voice Kids.
George was one of the three runners-up in the final show screened on Saturday night on ITV 1 (August 29) and it marked the end of an exciting journey for the Peterborough 11-year-old.
The MP said: “George has done something very special and portrayed our city in a very positive light.
“That deserves recognition. Peterborough is very proud of him.
“I have also invited the family to the House of Commons as my guests when we are all allowed to mix again.
“Myfive-year-old daughter is a huge fan and we can’t wait to hear all about George and his family’s wonderful journey.”
The motion which will be read out in Parliament says: “Thatthis Housea pplauds the efforts of all the contestants in this year’ s ITV’s I TV’ th eh Voice Kids televit sionprogram mme; notes the tr remendou s talent the programme uncovered; cong ra tulates the winner Jus--tin eA f ant te and all the finalists; furt ther congratulate es finalist George Elliott E from Walton, Peterborough who has inspired a city; believes his mum Jodie, dad Karl, brother Jacob, and the people of Peterborough, have every reason to be proud of him; and wishes himwell in his future as a new pupil at the Queen Katharine Academy and in all his musical endeavours.”
11-year- old George produced a memorable performance in the final of The Voice
Kids but was just beaten to the top prize by winner Justine Afante. George, mum Jodie (41) and dad Karl ( 41) from Walton were joined by family and friends at a special party to watch the final show. The final was filmed a week in advance and the family had to keep the result secret until Saturday night’s screening. Jodie said: “We had to be very careful. Webasically just stayed in all week. We didn’t want to spoil it for anyone.” George watched the screening of the final on Sat
urdayt the Post Office club off Bourges Boulevard with family and friends and Jodie said there was no disappointment at the result.
“It was amazing, his aunts and uncle sand cousin sand all the family loved it.” said Jodie. “When we saw his performance we were blown away.
“We knew he couldn’ t have done any better than that.
“I have been with him throughout and that was on another level.
“He wasn’t disappointed at all at the result. We said all along it wasn’t about whose name was read out at the end, it was about all of them enjoying those last two goes on stage.”
Next George is hoping to find a band to perform with and the family are considering musiclessons afteradvice from his mentor on the show Danny Jones (of the band McFly).
“He wants to find a band to perform with,” said Jodie. “That was what Danny said to him and that’s what he needs next. Get in a band and keep practising and we will back him on this. He has done so well so we are thinking about lessonsforhim. Hehasgotthis far, so with lessons he could improve even more.”
Jodie said George has not had any trouble adjusting to life after the show and is looking forward to starting
at Queen Katharine Academy next month.
“He is just as he always is, he’s playing FIFA and doing what he normally does. The only time that he was a bit upset was when it all finished.
“He has got on really well with all of the other kids and, ofcourse, Danny. He’snotstarstruck, unless he’s with Danny, he has got on so well with him.”
George has already had requests to perform in Peterborough with a charity event in June and a local event in Walton asking if he will sing.
Jodiesaidthesupportfrom the city has meant a lot to the whole family.
“We really wanted to say
thank you for all the messages,” said Jodie. “He has had some lovely messages and a lot of support which really gave him a boost. We are very grateful to everyone who supported him.”
Justine Afante was crowned the winner of The Voice Kids UK 2020 in Saturday night’s show.
She had been competing against George, Victoria Alsina and Dara McNicholl in front of the ITV show’s first ever virtual audience, which voted for the winner.
Ahead of the announcement, all of the finalists had been told that they would be rewarded with a dream holiday to Orlando, Florida.
Meanwhile Justine was also givenabursarytowardsher musical education.
Coaches Will.i.am, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith and Danny Jones also performed to an empty studio while their finalists sit in their iconic red chairs.
Despite there being no live audience, the young singers turned in some incredible performances and also took to thestage withtheir coaches for some epic duets.
Jodie said the wholefamily will miss the show.
“It has been the best experience,” she said. “We have basically built the whole year arounditbutithasbeenworth it.”