Jeweller John Swinden auditions for talent show The Voice

John Swinden auditions for BBC talent show The Voice

Local jeweller John Swinden has auditioned for the talent show The Voice.

Mr Swinden, who owns J & D Alexander Jewellers in Rochdale town centre, took to the stage in front of three judges to sing his version of Shenandoah, by Sissel, to get through the first audition. Having performed in two further auditions he is waiting now to find out if he will heading to London to make a TV appearance on the show.

In an interview with Rochdale Online, Mr Swinden said: “I sing from the heart and it is something I truly love.

"It was wonderful to be on The Voice and also to get through, but what matters the most is that this is just what I love doing.

“I was nervous during the downstairs audition, but then they sent me upstairs to the second one, the one with the three judges, I think I was less so. It was actually a really enjoyable experience.

He added: “I will find out in the next four weeks whether or not London will happen – so let’s see what happens.”

Mr Swinden has been part of J & D Alexander Jewellers for the past 25 years, and has been the owner since 2002. He started singing five years ago and discovered he had a talent.

Fellow town centre business owner Greg Couzens said: “John has a big heart, he is a huge advocate for Rochdale and local charities and it's a pleasure to have him as a friend, I wish him every success.”

The Voice UK began airing on BBC One in 2012. There are five different stages to the show: producers' auditions, blind auditions, battle phase, knockouts, and live shows. The winner receives a £100,000 prize along with a record deal with Universal Republic. There have been five winners to date: Leanne Mitchell, Andrea Begley, Jermain Jackman, Stevie McCrorie and Kevin Simm.