How Daniel helped Andrea find her Voice - Irish Independent

Ken Sweeney, Entertainment Editor – 25 June 2013

A WEE bit of help from Daniel O'Donnell pushed angel-voiced singer Andrea Begley to win The Voice UK.

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The 26-year-old was the shock winner of the talent series last Saturday night but it turns out she has friends in high places.

Donegal native O'Donnell (51) had campaigned for the singer and asked his legions of fans to back Andrea as she is "the niece of a very good friend of mine called Philomena Begley."

It was on June 5, Daniel first told fans on his official website danielodonnell.org; "I'm sure those of you who live in the UK & Ireland are familiar with The Voice UK talent show that is on at the minute on BBC 1.

"There is a really talented young lady who comes from Co Tyrone in Northern Ireland and I would love if you can spare a few minutes to vote for her this Friday night to get her through to next week.

"She is on Team Danny and her name is Andrea Begley. She is the niece of Irish singer Philomena Begley who I have known all through my singing career. I would love if you can help get Andrea further in the competition."

He reiterated: "So don't forget Friday night 7pm Andrea Begley on Team Danny... Let's get her to the next level, Thanks Daniel."

That same day, a similar message was posted on Daniel O'Donnell's official Facebook group.

Daniel was again asking his fans to back Andrea last Thursday, June 20, on his website.

"Andrea Begley needs help with votes to win the Final!", he told fans: "Hi Everyone, Thanks to all of you who voted for Andrea Begley on the Voice UK for the past few weeks. She's through to the final on Saturday night at 7.15pm on BBC 1 so if you can spare a few minutes to vote and help get this talented girl crowned the winner of the Voice UK2013!"

Fellow Northern Irish singer Leah McFall had been the bookies' favourite to top the poll but it was Begley who caused a sensation when she topped the polls in a public vote securing a £500,000 recording contract.

Following the win, Daniel's Facebook said: "I'm delighted to announce that Andrea Begley won the Voice UK tonight, thank you so much to anyone who voted for her."

As seen in The Herald; Herald.ie