At 76 years old, Bette Reynolds achieved what many would consider impossible. She took to The Voice UK stage and performed the iconic ‘Rapper’s Delight’, stunning everyone in her wake.
Inspired by her grandchildren’s love of hip-hop, Bette’s performance was both a tribute to her family and a testament to her willpower and talent.
A Grandmother’s Unbelievable Debut
Bette Reynolds, a 76-year-old Scottish grandmother, stunned the audience on The Voice UK with her energetic rendition of the Sugarhill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’. For Bette, this was a historic moment as she became the oldest contestant to participate in the competition. Her monumental performance earned her a coveted spot under the mentorship of celebrity coaches Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
Despite this being her first time on stage since 1966, Bette is no novice to performing. With over 60,000 followers across social media, she has been entertaining audiences with her comedic music videos. Her online presence and unique sense of humour caught the attention of the show’s producers, leading to her memorable audition.
A Memorable Performance
Bette’s performance left a lasting impression not only on the judges but also on the live audience. Her blind audition saw her performing the hip-hop classic with such vigour that it surprised everyone. Even the audience in the studio urged the judges to press the red button to turn their chairs.
Celebrities Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones were quick to turn their chairs, indicating their desire to mentor her. The moment was so impactful that Emma Willis, the show’s host, also encouraged the judges to make their decision.
Challenges and Triumphs
At her age, memorising the lyrics of a rap song was no small feat for Bette. However, driven by the joy of making people smile, she rose to the challenge. “It’s still unbelievable,” she shared with BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme.
Bette also spoke about the overwhelming support she received from her local community. She shared her experience watching the episode at a local restaurant and bar, where friends and fans cheered her on passionately. The love and support she felt were unlike anything she had experienced before.
A Tribute to a Loved One
Originally from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Bette moved to Canada in 1968. She has been singing since she was five years old, performing in church and school choirs. Her passion for singing continued throughout her life.
TV viewers learnt that Bette had been caring for her husband, Stewart, who had battled dementia for years. His death in January played a significant role in her decision to perform on the show. She wanted to honour his memory as he was always a source of encouragement and fun.
Overcoming Odds
Bette’s journey to The Voice was marked by her resilience and determination. Despite the challenges she faced, she pursued her dream with unwavering dedication. Her ability to perform in front of the judges, including her idol Tom Jones, was a testament to her courage.
She reminisced about her childhood, where she often sang in church. Her mother would lift her onto the pew so others could hear her better. This early exposure to singing laid the foundation for her lifelong passion for music.
The Influence of Family
Bette’s song choice was inspired by her grandchildren’s love of hip-hop music. Her son and manager, Stewart, also played a crucial role in encouraging her to take on the challenge of performing ‘Rapper’s Delight’.
Her family’s encouragement and support were pivotal in her successful audition. “I said to my son, ‘You want me to memorise this with no cards or nothing?’ And he said, ‘No mum, you just do it like you sing your songs’.”
Looking Forward
With her successful audition behind her, Bette is now preparing for the next phase of the competition – the battle phase. She will face off against other contestants in head-to-head performances.
Her unexpected journey on The Voice serves as an inspiring reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions. As Bette continues her journey, she remains a beacon of inspiration for many.
Bette Reynolds’ journey on The Voice UK embodies the spirit of resilience and passion. Her remarkable performance and the ensuing support from fans underscore the power of music to bring people together.
As she progresses to the next round, her story continues to inspire and entertain, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. The world eagerly waits to see what Bette will do next.
