We’re still quite a way off this year’s final of ‘The Voice UK’, but it seems like we may already have our winner - at least if the coaches (very unsubtle) predictions are anything to go by.
Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs are tipping 16-year-old Donel Mangena, who has proved to be one to watch on the ITV talent show this year, for big things.
When the coaches dropped by the ‘BUILD’ studio for a chat about the series, we pressed them on whether Donel’s epic Battle Round performance had sealed his fate as the winner.
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Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Jones and Olly Murs
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His mentor, Will, didn’t exactly do a great job in hiding his agreement, although he attempted to caveat that.
“Every single one of them in my team can be the winner. And it wouldn’t be fair to say Donel could be the winner, because Donel could be the winner,” he said with a smirk.
“It’s just not fair, what about other kids in my team that are like, ‘what about me will.i.am? You don’t think I could be the winner too.’ But Donel could be the winner,” he smiled.
Jennifer echoed Will, calling Donel a “star”, while Olly also claimed he has the full popstar package.
“Listen, Donel stands out - there’s no doubt about it. We can’t lie about that, he does,” he said.
“He’s got everything. But the knockout stages are next and they’re the last time we get to made a decision. So Will might think Donel is going to win, but it’s down to the people watching.”
One of the reasons Donel has proven so popular is probably something to do with his gran, who stole the show during his audition.
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The 'Voice' coaches appeared on 'BUILD'
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Asked if she could return if he were to make it through to the live shows, Will let on that it could be a possibility.
“That would be amazing,” he said. “I’ve got an idea, but you just have to wait. I’ve just seen a vision right now, and it’s amazing.”
“She would steal the show, though,” Tom said. “That’s the thing. She did when she came [at the auditions].”
During the interview, the coaches also gave us the lowdown on the guest coaches they will be working with in the knockouts, as well as teasing an epic performance lined up for the live shows.
Check out the full interview in the video below...
'The Voice' UK: Where Are They Now?
Lydia Lucy (Finalist, 2016)(01 of14)
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will.i.am kept his promise of further support, and Lydia performed with the Black Eyed Peas at the Capital Summertime Ball, just months after her series ended. (credit:BBC)
Jermain Jackman (Winner, 2014)(02 of14)
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It seemed the BBC may finally have found a star with Jermain. Regrettably, this wasn't the case, and his debut album peaked at number 42 in the charts after its 2015 release. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Leanne Mitchell (Winner, 2012)(03 of14)
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Sadly, the show's first ever winner found herself dropped in 2014, after releasing just one album.
Leanne later blamed the fact her label waited too long after her victory on 'The Voice' in releasing the album for its lack of commercial success, claiming she was still happy she didn't "cop out" and release a covers album. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Tyler James (Runner-up, 2012)(04 of14)
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Tyler "I Was Best Friends With Amy Winehouse" James (she's mentioned six times on his Wikipedia page alone) was a fan favourite during the first series of 'The Voice', famously performing a duet with will.i.am dangling from the ceiling.
This didn't translate to a fruitful music career, though, and his last offering in 2012 stalled at number 47 in the UK album chart. (credit:REX/Brian Rasic)
Bo Bruce Runner-up, 2012)(05 of14)
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Despite having the most commercial success of any of the former 'Voice' stars, Bo didn't have an easy time after leaving the competition, and quit her record label after two singles due to a "lack of support", before eventually checking into rehab for exhaustion.
She's since branded former coach DannyO'Donoghue a "wanker" after admitting that they shared a snog while she was still being mentored by him on the show. (credit:Rex/Jason Sheldon)
Vince Kidd (Fourth place, 2012)(06 of14)
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Vince has continued to make music since appearing on the show, releasing four singles, though none managed to chart in the UK. (credit:Rex)
Twinnie Lee Moore (2002)(07 of14)
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She was already a successful musical theatre actress when she auditioned for 'The Voice', but none of the judges turned their chairs for Twinnie.
Since then, she's focussed on acting and in 2014, began playing a McQueen in 'Hollyoaks'. She also, judging from this photo, loves a good hat. (credit:Rex/Tom Horton)
While it seems he may not have been successful, Jamie is continuing to make music and keeps fans updated online. (credit:Rex/Beretta/Sims)
Leah McFall (Finalist, 2013)(09 of14)
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Leah's cover of 'I Will Always Love You' may have charted at number 8 while she was on the show, but her efforts after the competition couldn't match it.
Despite support from will.i.am - who invited her to support him on tour - Leah's debut album failed to materialise, and she was quietly dropped by her label. (credit:Neil Lupin via Getty Images)
Andrea Begley (Winner, 2013)(10 of14)
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Andrea famously caused will.i.am to storm off set when she was announced as winner over his act, Leah McFall.
Andrea had huge success - by The Voice's standards... - in 2013, when her debut album charted a number 7.
We haven't heard much from her since then though, and after its release, she completed her Masters degree in Law and Governance... which would appear to suggest we won't be hearing a follow-up anytime soon. (credit:Harlem Mepham via Getty Images)
Max Milner (2012)(11 of14)
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Chart success wasn't Max's forte, but in early 2016, he was still making music and sharing updates with fans. (credit:Rex/Ray Tang)
Following her success on the show, Sally completed a UK tour at the tail-end of 2014. (credit:Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
Bungle (2015)(13 of14)
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From what we can gather, he's still living comfortably with Zippy and George in the 'Rainbow' house, following his brief appearance. (credit:Rex/Freemantle Media Ltd.)
Kevin Simm (Winner, 2016)(14 of14)
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Former Liberty X star Kevin triumphed on what would be the last BBC series of 'The Voice'.
Unfortunately, he couldn't break the show's curse, and his solo album 'Recover', failed to chart when it was released in October 2016. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)