The Voice of Ireland finalist Shane McLaughlin at Marble Hill on Wednesday.
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
On Wednesday morning Donegal’s The Voice Of Ireland finalist Shane McLaughlin got his first chance to switch off a bit and head surfing with his coach Kian Egan in his native county.
Both keen surfers, Downings native Shane was joined by the former Westlife star and Sligo native at Marble Hill where the two hit the waves.
Looking back on last Sunday night’s performance Shane said he gave his heart and soul in his semi final song in another bid to defy his critics.
Probably the biggest negative critic of Shane has been Jamelia who previously described Shane’s sound as ‘karaoke’ and said he didn’t belong on the show.
He said: “What people don’t see is those few seconds before your performance when you are standing ready to go. I heard Jamelia’s voice and drowned out what she was saying by humming not to let her put me off my performance.”
The majority of the judges described Shane’s performance of Def Leppard’s hit Pour Some Sugar On Me as his best of the series.
“Personally, it wouldn’t have been a song I had chosen, but I have always admired the showmanship of the likes of Freddie Mercury and Joe Elliott and decided to put my own spin on it; it’s not just about singing at this stage you have to put on a performance.”
Shane says he has really been enjoying defying his critics. “It’s the people that come into their own and come out of nowhere on a show like this that win. I feel like I am only getting started and gathering momentum, I’m going to come at them like a steam train.”
All four finalists spent Tuesday in the studio to record a single which will be released by Universal on Sunday night. “I’ve felt really comfortable doing all of this, from the performing to the recording and I am really happy with the final result.”
Having spent Wednesday morning recording with Kian in Donegal, Shane said they had an opportunity to speak one-to-one and his coach feels that he is ready.
“He said to me it’s all about focus and that I have that. Kian said all I have to do is give it my all and that I have as much of a chance as anyone else, it’s mine for the taking.”
Shane said he was overwhelmed when he arrived back to his homecoming in Downings. “When you are down in Dublin you really don’t get a feel for the buzz that’s going on at home and I couldn’t believe the massive turnout to greet me.
“There is one final hurdle that I need to overcome and I hope that the people of Donegal will get behind me one last time on Sunday night. All the finalists will be bringing their best game for the show and so will I, but whatever happens I already feel like a winner.”
Tune into the final of The Voice Of Ireland this Sunday at 6.30pm on RTE One.
A big crowd welcomes The Voce of Ireland finalist Shane. Photo courtesy of Fr Eamonn McLaughlin