The 17-year-old’s audition was described as “very unique”
12:57, 01 Mar 2026Updated 13:32, 01 Mar 2026
Content cannot be displayed without consent
A teenager from Co Armagh wowed judges on Britain’s Got Talent with her “quietly confident” performance.
Niamh Noade, from Lislea, appeared on Saturday night’s episode of the popular ITV talent show. She performed a stripped-back, harp-led rendition of the Alex Warren hit ‘Ordinary.’
The 17-year-old sang the track while accompanying herself on harp. Following her performance Niamh received a standing ovation both from the live audience and all four of the judges.
READ MORE: NI teen hoping to make wishes come true with charity Christmas songsREAD MORE: Ronan Keating moved to tears during NI teen’s The Voice Kids performance
YouTuber KSI, a new judge for the 2026 series, said Niamh has an “angelic instrument and angelic voice.” Alesha Dixon added that her voice and act were both “very unique”, describing the performance as “heavenly.”
Amanda Holden also praised the teen’s audition. She said: “You have a lovely clean, clear voice. I love the harp, but I was relieved when you started singing as well. Your whole presence; it was beautifully, quietly confident.”
Simon Cowell admitted Niamh’s performance helped him like the harp a little bit more. He added: “You’ve got an amazing voice – some people are just born with great voices, and you’ve got that. That version of the song was sensational.”
The Armagh girl received four “yes” votes and will now progress to the next stage of the Britain’s Got Talent competition.
Co Armagh girl Niamh Noade auditions on Britain’s Got Talent(Image: Tom Dymond)
Niamh is a singer-songwriter and harpist who blends traditional Celtic and electric harp with contemporary influences.
In 2023, her performance of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ on The Voice Kids UK was viewed more than 20 million times online, and moved judge Ronan Keating to tears.
She was also a finalist in the Junior Eurovision Contest in 2022, and has released Christmas songs to aid charities shining a light on homelessness, and raising vital funds for children with critcal illnesses.
Speaking to Belfast Live previously, Niamh’s mother Deirdre said her family are “so proud” of her musical achievements. She said singing has always been part of her daughter’s life.
Deirdre said: “Her father is very musical and sang to Niamh every day when she was a child. At aged 7, she began to take singing lessons and joined Traditional Arts Partnership – South Armagh where she learned to sing in both the English and Irish language.
“She entered Fleadh and Scor competitions and brought home many trophies for solo singing and currently holds the Armagh County Scor Solo Singing Title for 2022.
“Her first music idol was Cara Dillon and Niamh would learn and sing her songs. Niamh initially started harp lessons at Armagh Pipers Club and later commenced 1 to 1 lesson with Dearbhla Bennett in Mullaghbawn. She only started to sing and play the harp together over lockdown.”
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.