FIREFIGHTER MIKE’S BLAZE OF GLORY ON TV’S THE VOICE
HE’S more used to putting them out, but Welsh firefighter Mike Platt was on fire as he auditioned for ITV talent show The Voice on Saturday night.
Opening the first show of the series, the 32-year-old on-call fireman, who is based at Aberdare station, turned up the heat with his rendition of Show Me Heaven by Maria Mckee.
His stunning performance managed to wow all four judges, as Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson and Will.i.am all turned their chairs for him.
“Mike, your voice was so amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever really heard a voice like yours before,” Jennifer said, while Will described his performance as “spectacular” and Olly begged for Mike to join his team.
But it was Sir Tom who struck it lucky, as Mike decided to join his fellow Welshman to become the first singer in Team Tom.
“I feel like maybe, I won’t be allowed back in Aberdare if I didn’t choose Tom,” Mike said on the show.
Speaking ahead of his audition on Saturday night, Mike said: “My crew in work – they know that I sing.
“They like to have a bit of a joke and a bit of banter, but secretly, they think I’m alright.
“The dream for me has always been to be a professional singer.
“Music is one of the most important things in my life, as well as my family.”
Mike, who has two young daughters called Courtney and Maddison, described them as being his “numberone fans”.
“Music is what I want to do,” he added.
“For a while now I’ve put it on the back burner and just tried to concentrate on being a dad. Today gives me the opportunity to make it my dream.
“I really want to make my children proud.”
Mike has already received a huge response online, with many describing his performance as “brilliant”, “amazing” and “superb”.
Posting to his Facebook page Mike Platt Singer, Mike wrote: “So last night couldn’t have gone better thank you all so much for the love and support. For now it’s back to work @thevoiceuk @realsirtomjones #teamtom #firefighter #rocknroll #thevoiceuk”
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, also posted to Facebook: “Did you see On-Call firefighter Mike Platt from Aberdare Station on The Voice tonight? Well done Mike for becoming part of #TeamTom with Sir Tom Jones, from us all at #TeamSouthWales.”
Chief Fire Officer, Huw Jakeway, also tweeted: “Fantastic and everyone is so proud.
“You not only smashed it but you also done an amazing job of promoting SWFireandRescue and the on-call duty system!! Superstar.”