County Armagh singer, harpist and songwriter Niamh Noade - daughter of Malachy Noade, Construction Training and Innovation Consultant, with SERC’s Business Support team - is set to return to the stage of Britain’s Got Talent this weekend, as the 17-year-old prepares for the live semi-finals at the London Apollo Theatre.
Hailing from Lislea, Newry, Niamh will perform live on ITV this Saturday 9th May, hoping to secure a place in the final of the hit series, now in its 19th season.
Combining harp with a distinctive, emotionally resonant vocal, Niamh has already made a strong impression on the judges. Simon Cowell praised her audition, stating: “You’ve got an amazing voice. Some people are just born with great voices, and you have that.” He went on to describe her performance, a cover of Alex Warren's "Ordinary", as “simply sensational".
Noade is no stranger to high-pressure stages. She was crowned All-Ireland singing champion in January 2025 and previously reached a wide international audience with her performance of “The Winner Takes It All” on The Voice Kids UK, which has since amassed over 20 million views online.
Currently a sixth-year student at St Paul’s High School in Newry, where she is preparing for her A-Levels, Niamh is balancing academic life with a rapidly growing music career.
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, she said: “I honestly can’t believe I’ve made it to the semi-finals. It still feels surreal. I love performing, but stepping onto a stage like this comes with nerves. That said, everything I’ve done up to now has helped me feel more grounded in it. The response to my audition has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for it.”
Alongside her musical achievements, Niamh has built a strong reputation for her charity work, raising thousands for children’s causes through performances across the UK and Europe.
“Playing the harp while singing isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s such a huge part of who I am as an artist. The support since my audition has been overwhelming, especially from the UK and Ireland, and even further afield in the US. I just hope people connect with the performance on the night.”
The current series of Britain’s Got Talent is hosted by Ant & Dec, with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI. The winner will receive a £250,000 prize and a place at the Royal Variety Performance.
Reflecting on what winning would mean, Niamh added: “It would be incredible. It’s been a difficult year for my family, so the first thing I’d do is take them away somewhere special. Greece has always been a dream, especially because Mamma Mia is my favourite film.”
As voting is limited to UK audiences, support on the night will be crucial.
Colleagues and friends of Malachy from across the SERC community are rooting for Niamh. We have no doubt that many of you have been hooked on this series of Britain’s Got Talent and it makes it even more special to think we have a connection through Malachy, so please, if you are watching the programme, take time to cast your vote for Niamh on Saturday 9th May.
Good Luck Niamh!
Photo Credits: Malachy Noade; Michael McGlinchey and Britain’s Got Talent.
