It's a wonderful world as Carlow student Byrne wins recording deal

Student and part-time music teacher Pat Byrne from Carlow won RTÉ singing competition The Voice last night.

He beat fellow finalists Jim Devine (32) from Strabane, Co Tyrone, Vanessa Whelan (32) from Tramore, Co Waterford, and Richie Hayes (35) also from Waterford, to win a recording contract with Universal Music.

The 17-week long talent show, developed by the creators of Big Brother, attracted over 600,000 viewers last night for its final, which was followed by a results show.

Byrne, from Borris, began his performance with The River, which he also sang at his first audition for the show, followed by I’m Already There.

He took the title of The Voice shortly before 9pm and finished the show with an emotional rendition of What a Wonderful World, first recorded by Louis Armstrong.

Speaking after his win, an excited Byrne thanked all those who had voted for him.

The 22-year-old said the competition had been the best experience of his life.