X Factor reject Lydia Lucy 'overwhelmed' at reaching The Voice's live shows

The Essex singer was one of 16 acts who performed for the all-star panel of Paloma Faith, Boy George, Ricky Wilson and will.i.am on Sunday night’s knock-out stage.

Lydia wowed the American with her fiery rendition of I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift. The 22-year-old switched between singing and rapping as she showcased her vocal skills.

The Voice contestant Lydia Lucy (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

“Who amazed me, who I think should be out right now with records and videos and touring is the person I’m putting through – Lydia!” will.i.am stated.

When he announced her name, a clearly moved Lydia placed her head in her hands.

“I can’t believe it. Honestly, I’m overwhelmed,” she told presenter Marvin Humes. “Everyone is so amazing – I’m so thankful. Thank you, Will. Thank you!” she cried.

Lydia previously attempted to find music stardom on Simon Cowell’s The X Factor. She took part in the 2013 series when the ITV hit premiered Bootcamp elimination process, the six chair challenge.

One of the first victims of the twist on musical chairs, Lydia lost her seat and missed out on a place in the Judges’ Houses round.

As the final instalment of the knock-outs got under way, will.i.am admitted: “I hate this part of the show because some amazing singers are going to go home.”

The Voice coaches will.i.am, Boy George and Paloma Faith (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

The four coaches were tasked with cutting their individual teams down from eight acts to just three. With a place in the live shows at stake, each singer had to impress with their own choice of song.

After hearing Lauren Lapsley-Browne’s take on Release Me by Agnes, will.i.am also selected the Irish singer.

The elated 18-year-old told Marvin: “When Will believes in me, I can believe in myself.”

Lauren Lapsley-Browne on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

Rapper and beatboxer Lyrickal, who performed Professor Green’s Read All About It, completed will.i.am’s team. The 46-year-old promised “a few more surprises” for the live shows. “Me and Will, we’re going to talk,” he said.

Earlier in the show, Southampton’s Harry Fisher, 19, progressed from the knock-outs after tackling Adele’s smash hit Hello.

Boy George admitted to feeling some trepidation about the song choice. “When I first heard the song this person was going to sing, I was like, ‘Oh no!’ … I was worried that it would be karaoke. I was really freaked out.”

Lyrickal in full flow (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

But Harry, he said, “nailed it”.

Londoner Vangelis made it to the live shows despite Boy George’s opinion that he needs to “work on connecting”.

Harry Fisher takes the stage (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

The relieved 24-year-old said: “I can’t believe that. I really can’t. I thought I was going home.”

The Voice star Vangelis (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

Cody Frost’s evocative version of Another Brick In The Wall by Pink Floyd was one of the standout performances, the coaches agreed.

“We’re all looking for someone who can be a real artist, that can develop and grow and become something unique,” Boy George stated. “I’ve definitely found it in this person.”

Asked how it felt to be working with the Culture Club star, the 17-year-old told co-host Emma Willis, “amazing”.

Cody Frost impressed (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

“It’s so cool – he’s just helped me so much.”

Looking ahead, The Black Eyed Peas’ founding member said: “Team Will is ready to go live with two lovely ladies and one lad. That is three freakin’ Ls, and we will not take an L because we will not lose!”

Boy George also expressed happiness with his team choices. “I’ve got three great singers,” he said.

The Voice continues next week.