Talented Hemel Hempstead-born singer impresses judges on ITV’s The Voice

Cameo Williams, 18, who was born in Hemel Hempstead and still performs in the area, featured on Saturday night’s episode of the singing contest as she performed an adaptation of Blondie’s Heart of Glass.

The haunting rendition saw judge Olly Murs turn his chair round to offer her a place on his team, followed by Welsh pop legend Tom Jones, before the pair fought it out for the chance to be her mentor.

Cameo, who chose ‘team Olly’, said: “I was so nervous; it was honestly one of the most nerve wracking things I have ever done! When you are backstage you can hear the atmosphere, the audience. It’s almost deafening.

“But I didn’t want to let my nerves get the best of me so I put them in a box in my head.”

Cameo’s family first realised she had a natural talent when she performed the Oasis hit Wonderwall during karaoke when she was little.

At Vandyke Upper School, Cameo was involved in shows and a choir, and she has performed at many open mic nights in Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding area. She also enjoys busking with her guitar.

Cameo added: “I love the message behind The Voice. So much of the industry is saturated in looks - what you are, who you are - the product. The message of the show is really honest; it should be about the voice.

“I think Olly is great - he’s a character. I was always going to go for the person that turned first. It’s loyalty because they believed in me.”

Cameo practised the song in front of her dad, Voja, who is a musician and gave her tips and ideas for the song.

Her mum Karan, grandparents Jill and Gordon, and boyfriend Alex went to watch the audition, and Karan, whom Cameo is “very close” to, along with her sisters Amber and Scarlett, couldn’t be more proud.

Karan told ITV cameras: “I’m completely in awe of her. She’s this tiny little girl who has grown into a beautiful woman. I’m so proud.”

Cameo is now through to the Battle Rounds, and will compete against a rival team member to stay in the show