Fans of The Voice UK were outraged after the judges failed to acknowledge the potential of one specific singer who rose to popularity in a 1990s girl trio.
Mariama Goodman appeared on the ITV talent show yesterday night to see if she could impress Olly Murs, Sir Tom Jones, Anne-Marie, and Will.I.AM.
The 45-year-old is a member of the R&B female group Honeyz, which debuted in 1997 and has since spawned popular songs such as Finally Found and Never Let You Down.
While Mariama remains a member of the band, she also works as a midwife, as she revealed in her introductory video for the newest edition of The Voice UK.
‘I know it’s really cheesy, but it’s just really nice having a job where you feel like you’ve made a difference to somebody,’ she said on the programme.
She admitted that she has been recognised on various occasions, a testament to her legacy as a member of Honeyz.
While the band formally disbanded more than two decades ago, the return of nostalgia for the 1990s spurred them to participate in reunion shows, much to the joy of their fans.
Getting back into performing led her to compete on The Voice UK, since singing was her ‘first passion,’ and she was also a member of the group Solid HarmoniE.
Mariama wanted to test how she’d do singing alone on stage, admitting how frightened she was before the concert began.
As the judges listened closely, she ripped out Irene Cara’s Out Here On My Own from Fame.
Olly nodded with approval at her vocal skills, while Sir Tom looked as though he was heavily considering pressing his button.
However, despite the audience urging them to turn around for Mariama, none of the judges did.
While she might have been disappointed not to get through, the singer said that she was happy she was able to show her daughter that she should go for her passions, no matter how terrifying you might be.
Nonetheless, several viewers voiced their frustration over the result on her behalf.
Ah man, no seat turns for Mariama from Honeyz😭😭😭 #TheVoiceUK
— ⫩ Suz ⫩🎵 (@Scottish_Suzi) November 18, 2023
The judges should have turned for Mariama #TheVoiceUK
— Angel Annor (@angyannorxx) November 18, 2023
They didn’t turn For freaking Mariama Goodman #TheVoiceUK pic.twitter.com/ekDiCv9aWu
— Love island and Big brother ❤️🔥 (@LoveRealityTV4) November 18, 2023
‘The judges should have turned for Mariama,’ one wrote on X (formerly Twitter), while another said: ‘They didn’t turn for freaking Mariama Goodman,’ alongside a gif with the caption: ‘How dare you.’
‘Ah man, no seat turns for Mariama from Honeyz 😭😭😭,’ another remarked, expressing their disappointment.
One viewer praised Mariama for her ‘fab voice’, while another praised the singer for now also working as a midwife.
The Voice UK returns next Saturday on ITV.
