Bette Reynolds, a 76-year-old Scottish grandmother, wowed audiences on The Voice UK with a surprising rendition of the Sugarhill Gang’s iconic hip-hop track “Rapper’s Delight.”
Her energetic performance made her the show’s oldest ever contestant and earned her a spot on celebrity mentors Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones’ team.
Despite it being her first time on stage since 1966, Bette is no stranger to performing.
She has a significant online following of over 60,000 fans who enjoy her comedy music videos on social media.
Now living in Ontario, Canada, Bette admitted memorizing the lyrics to “Rapper’s Delight” was a challenge, but she was thrilled to make people smile.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, she shared her excitement about the experience, which included a watch party at her local bar, where the crowd cheered when the judges turned their chairs.
Even host Emma Willis encouraged the judges to press their buttons during the performance.
Originally from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Bette moved to Canada in 1968 and has been singing since she was five years old, with a background in church choirs and classical training.
She cared for her late husband Stewart for many years as he battled dementia, and his passing in January inspired her to audition in his memory.
Bette’s song choice, inspired by her grandchildren’s love for rap music, and encouraged by her son and manager, Stewart, showcases her versatility as a performer.
She now heads into The Voice UK’s battle phase, competing head-to-head with other contestants.
Performing in front of music legends like Tom Jones, one of her childhood idols, was an unforgettable moment for Bette, marking a remarkable return to the spotlight after decades away from the stage.
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