Teenage Denny singer looks to Lewis Capaldi as motivation in bid to win The Voice

Cameron Ledwidge (18) progressed past the latest blind auditions on the hit ITV show on Saturday night as he performed Heather by Conan Gray in front of Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, will.i.am and Anne-Marie.

The latter turned her chair to add the former Denny High School pupil to her team – a moment that left the teen pinching himself.

Since making his television debut, Cameron has been blown away by the reaction he’s received.

The University of Edinburgh PE student said: “It’s been absolutely mind-blowing.

“It’s become more than I thought it would be – it was the best experience of my life.

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“I’d planned to do gigs last year. My aim was to make last year my year.

“Having left school in March, I was going to work really hard over the summer but then Covid hit.

“When the opportunity came along I couldn’t resist. I can’t believe it’s happened!

“When I had my auditions prior to the blind auditions, every time I got through I thought, ‘How have I managed that?’

“I was just doing it to gain experience and improve my voice and skills.”

Able to joke about the experience now, Cameron revealed he struggled with the pre-show jitters.

He explained: “I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life.

“I’m a confident person but when it comes to performing on stage, everybody gets nervous and, with it being such a massive opportunity, I was petrified.

“When I was waiting to go on stage I didn’t eat. I just had apple slices!

“The audition was at 10.30pm – I was exhausted and going on adrenaline.

“Nerves took over and caused me to have a blip but that happens to us 18-year-olds. Thankfully Anne-Marie turned.

“For her to turn so late, I just dropped to my knees because I was so surprised.”

Music has played a prominent part in Cameron’s life ever since he was a toddler.

From renditions of Elvis Presley as a three-year-old to performances at Denny Gala Day as a teen, the Morrisons employee has always relished being in the spotlight.

There have also been gigs at Falkirk Town Hall and lead roles in school plays along the way.

With his debut singles reaching 33 and 42 on the Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart and UK iTunes Top Songs respectively, the future looks bright.

And now he’s had a taste of show business, Cameron is desperate to win a professional recording contract by going the distance on The Voice.

The singer-songwriter, who also plays guitar and piano, singles out the example set by global icon Capaldi when asked for a source of inspiration.

He said: “I guess you could say Lewis Capaldi because he’s massive.

“I’ve been following him since he only had 1000 followers on Instagram.

“My family inspire me to do well. The community in Denny is brilliant, it’s really inspirational. It makes you want to put Denny on the map.

“Can I win it? I don’t see why not. I’ve gained more confidence and progressed as an artist throughout everything I’ve done.

“It’s just about striving for more success really.”

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