Danny Jones left bandmate Harry Judd’s wife and The Voice Kids viewers in floods of tears last night after he candidly opened up about his father leaving in an emotional chat with a young contestant.
The McFly singer, 31, was praised for his candour and bravery after breaking down following one young hopeful’s performance of a Kelly Clarkson song about a dad neglecting his family.
Auditionee Thomas, 11, had chosen to perform the track Piece By Piece as he could “relate” to the lyrics, given his own father left the family when he was a child.
It struck a personal chord with Danny, who could be seen looking increasingly emotional as Thomas performed behind the coaches.
Fighting back emotion and choking up, Danny told him after the song ended: “You can relate to that? Okay. You know what Thomas, I can relate to that too. Because when I was 18, my father…”
It then got too much for Danny, who broke off and couldn’t finish his sentence.
Later on, he said backstage: “My dad left us when we were 18 so it really got to me, that moment. It’s been emotional, hasn’t it?”
The honest and heartbreaking exchange had scores of viewers – including Izzy Judd – in tears as they took to Twitter to praise Danny’s candour.
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Izzy – married to McFly’s Harry – said: “Just about recovering from The Voice Kids. Danny, you had Harry and me in tears. So many people will respect your honesty.”
Just about recovering from @thevoicekidsuk @itsDannyJones you had @mcflyharry and me in tears 😢So many people will respect your honesty xx
— Izzy Judd (@mrs_izzyjudd) July 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/lornerocks/status/881349707196485632
Watching The Voice Kids and seeing @itsDannyJones cry has me in tears. So hard to seeing him cry, just want to give him a big hug.
— EmilyWilkinson (@Em_Wilkinson99) July 2, 2017
@itsDannyJones wow just caught up and wasn't expecting to be bawling my eyes out @thevoicekidsuk 😢 #Emosh
— L.W (@Lianda81) July 1, 2017
Awww @itsDannyJones on #TheVoiceKidsUK that was so emotional. I'm still crying. Seeing a man hurt is horrible. We all LOVE you though x
— Jennifer Spears (@1hotbabe88) July 1, 2017
Others praised Danny for being a role model to others in the same situation.
https://twitter.com/ChristinaD23/status/881310778984251392
@itsDannyJones thank you for truly showing your vulnerability, a true #RoleModel for all young kids especially #boys #ItsOkayToCry
— Rani Moorthy FRSA (@Ranirasatheatre) July 1, 2017
@itsDannyJones if you can be the beautiful man you are with no father figure kids see this you've made a massive difference to them😘amazing😍
— Carley Todd (@toddgatetodd) July 1, 2017
@itsDannyJones @thevoicekidsuk thanks u showed my son hes not alone a beautiful moment will have inspired loads of kids 2 talk about this 😍
— Carley Todd (@toddgatetodd) July 1, 2017
Sadly for Thomas, none of the coaches turned around, but they all told Thomas he was very talented and brave to sing such a powerful song.
Read more: The Voice Kids judges branded “brutal” for rejecting young girl
His mum had explained before his audition: “Thomas’ dad left when he was five. It was a tough time for him. He couldn’t quite understand or grasp what was happening.
“He isn’t the only child out here that’s come from a broken home and it’s possible to come out of it the other end and be well adjusted, happy and talented, like he is.”