Bold emotional opening: A 17-year-old from Co Armagh just delivered a performance on Britain’s Got Talent that felt almost ethereal, leaving judges and audience spellbound. But here’s where it gets controversial… opinions about what counts as “angelic” can spark lively debates about technique, emotion, and originality.
A Lislea-based teenager captured hearts on Britain’s Got Talent with a performance described as quietly powerful and uniquely herself. Niamh Noade took the stage for the ITV show wearing a calm, confident presence and offered a pared-back, harp-led interpretation of Alex Warren’s hit “Ordinary.” She sang while accompanying herself on the harp, creating a minimalist yet emotionally resonant rendition.
The moment drew a standing ovation from the live audience and the four judges, signaling broad approval for her brave, stripped-back approach. YouTube star KSI, joining as a new judge for the 2026 series, praised Niamh’s instrument and voice as angelic, while Alesha Dixon called the performance “very unique” and described it as heavenly. Amanda Holden complimented her clear, clean vocal tone and the harp, noting that Niamh’s presence felt beautifully quiet yet assured. Simon Cowell acknowledged that Niamh’s version of the song was sensational and admitted the performance helped him appreciate the harp a little more.
Niamh earned four yeses and advances to the next stage of the competition. She is not new to the spotlight: a singer-songwriter and harpist who blends traditional Celtic influences with contemporary sounds, she has previously made waves in other competitions and charity projects.
Past highlights include a 2023 performance of “The Winner Takes It All” on The Voice Kids UK that amassed millions of online views and moved Ronan Keating to tears. She was a 2022 Junior Eurovision finalist and has released Christmas songs to support charitable causes focused on homelessness and helping children with serious illnesses.
Niamh’s mother, Deirdre, told Belfast Live that the family is incredibly proud of her musical journey. She explained that music runs in the family, recalling how her father sang to Niamh daily while she was growing up. Niamh began formal singing lessons at seven, later trained with Traditional Arts Partnership in South Armagh to sing in English and Irish, and participated in Fleadh and Scor competitions, earning numerous trophies. Her early musical heroes included Cara Dillon. Niamh started harp lessons at Armagh Pipers Club and later studied privately with Dearbhla Bennett in Mullaghbawn, with the duo starting to sing and play the harp together only during lockdown.
If you’d like a closer look at Niamh’s journey, you can explore additional stories from Belfast Live for more on her path and other local talents.
Would you agree that this performance represents a fresh, compelling take on a familiar song, or do you feel the stripped-back style risks losing emotional nuance? Share your thoughts in the comments.
