A FORMER Colchester pupil has made it to the final of a TV singing competition on the other side of the world after entering to honour his late father. 

Charlie Pittman, who went to Colchester Royal Grammar School, has made it to the final four of The Voice Australia. 

Charlie spent his teenage years in the city and could always be found singing and writing songs.

Earlier this year, the vocalist decided to enter the popular competition as a way of honouring his father who was Australian. His father, Paul Pittman, died in February at the age of 58.

Gazette: Singer - Charlie entered this year's competition as a way of honouring his late fatherSinger - Charlie entered this year's competition as a way of honouring his late father (Image: Public)

 

Speaking about how his father had always encouraged his passion for music, Charlie explained he was always told to never give up. 

He said: “My dad always told me to follow music, no matter how hard times got and how much rejection I faced. 

“My mum was probably the more sensible one nudging me to take a more academic path but [my] dad was always a huge believer that if I worked hard things would come which makes this experience even more special.”

Charlie admitted he was shocked to have made it to The Voice’s final round.

However, he believes that taking the leap to apply for the show which is filmed in Sydney, was the right decision to make.

Charlie said: “It’s grown my following a crazy amount, before the show I had 3,000 followers and now I’m approaching 30,000. 

“So I’ve achieved what I wanted to achieve in terms of giving myself a platform to push my new music out and reach a larger, global fanbase.”

Ahead of The Voice Australia’s grand finale on Sunday 8 October, the songwriter has released his new single entitled Stone Cold.

It’s a song about letting go of a relationship in the best way possible.

As one of the four final contestants, if Charlie wins, he would gain a recording contract with a major record label, as well as $100,000, the equivalent of £82,064.

When asked about how he would feel if he won the competition, Charlie said it would be the cherry on top of an amazing experience.

He said: “If I won the show I’d feel so grateful for everyone who voted and supported me, and probably a little overwhelmed. 

“The support so far has been crazy and to win would really just push it over the line. It [would] feel amazing.”