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Gillingham teenager James Okulaja reaches final of The Voice UK - but there's heartache for Tunbridge Wells' Andrew Bateup

By: Chris Britcher cbritcher@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 07:28, 14 March 2021

Updated: 07:34, 14 March 2021

Teenage singer James Okulaja dream of reaching the final of ITV's The Voice UK remains alive after success in last night's show.

The 18-year-old head boy at Gillingham's Rainham Mark Grammar School, was selected by judge Will.I.Am to make it into the final - despite being eliminated from the competition two weeks ago.

James Okulaja secured his place in the final of The Voice - now he needs your vote. Picture: ITV

However, when contestant Janel Anthoneshia withdrew, he was recalled to the contest.

He performed Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' hit Can't Hold Us and go the nod from his American mentor.

Will.I.Am said of choosing the Kent sensation over his other team-mates: "Each one of you is equally important to me. The person I'm going to send through is Okulaja."

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But there was heartache for music teacher Andrew Bateup, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells, after he was knocked out of the TV talent show.

Performing Bryan Adams' classic (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, he missed out after judge Olly Murs put through rival Grace Holden.

Andrew Bateup's dream of reaching the final of the contest is over. Picture: ITV

However, to ensure a place in the live final next weekend, the contestants must now rely on a public vote with only one member of each famous judges' team battling it out for glory. Details on how to vote for James Okulaja can be found here.

The final takes place on ITV next Saturday, March 20.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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