The Voice UK’s Jimmy Balito gives emotional performance after death of his dad

Jimmy Balito has made The Voice UK 2019 live shows after an emotional knockout round performance.

The 23-year-old from Essex previously auditioned for The Voice in 2018.

But he made an epic comeback this year, winning a spo on Sir Tom Jones’ team at the blind auditions after singing Higher Love by Steve Winwood.

Jimmy’s journey took another turn in the battles where he was eliminated, only for Olly Murs to steal him for the knockouts.

Tonight saw Jimmy perform for Olly in a bid to make the live shows and it was an emotional one, singing ‘High & Dry’ by Radiohead.

“It’s the first time I’ve sung since all the things that have gone on at home,” Jimmy revealed before his performance.

He continued: “My dad was really sick, he was ill with cancer. He came up and watched the battles, he was ecstatic afterwards. It was an amazing time.

“Shortly after, my dad got ill and within a week or so he passed away.”

In rehearsals, Jimmy was comforted by coach Olly in tear-filled scenes.

“I just wish he was here to see it,” Jimmy said.

“There are times when I’ve thought, it’s not the right time for me to be here now or I’m not strong enough to work through it… but he wouldn’t have that for a second.

“He’d want to be carry on and I want to do just that.”

Jimmy’s performance saw him left in tears, running into the audience to hug his mum after singing.

Olly then revealed his decision, putting Jimmy through to the live shows.

Also performing on Team Olly tonight were 26-year-old Harrisen Larner-Main from Weston Super Mare and 16-year-old student Eva Campbell from Dublin, who were sent home.

Meanwhile, on Team Tom 23-year-old Deana from Liverpool made the lives ahead of trio Equip To Overcome consisting of Gabrielle (20), Yolanda (20) and Shalom (20) from Kent and 43-year-old Paster from London Roger Samuels.

Trio Nxt Gen made up of Cian, Sonny and Joel, all aged 21 made the live semi-final for Team Will, beating 16-year-old Gabriel Dryss from London and 17-year-old student Callum Butterworth.

Finally, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Moya from Jersey was chose for the live shows by Team Jennifer are trio 34-year-old Sarah Tucker from Essex and 17-year-old student Connie Lamb from Suffolk.

The Voice UK 2019 continues Saturday nights on ITV.