An urban musician took ITV singing competition The Voice by storm in spite of not being picked by the show’s judges.
Harold Lisk, known as HBoss, sparked cheers from the studio audience when he performed Don’t Mind and Antenna during the blind auditions on Saturday, February 3.
But in spite of the audience’s cheers, neither Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Will.i.am nor Jennifer Hudson span round in their chairs to signal they wanted to coach HBoss and take him through to the next round.
Speaking after the performance, Mr Lisk, from Kensal Green, said: “Unfortunately, I didn’t get through, but at the end of the day I’m still an entertainer and I entertained.”
But the 26-year-old did more than electrify the studio audience who chanted “Bring him back” after he left the stage when he failed to be chosen. He caused controversy when he broke the show’s rules by breakdancing on stage.
Judge Will.i.am told him on camera afterwards he had to show him respect saying: “You are really, really talented.”
Troublemaker singer Olly Murs joked: “I’m glad I didn’t turn round. I’d be out of a job.” And veteran judge Tom Jones said he felt stupid for not choosing him.
Hboss said: “It was a great evening. Regardless of the result I really enjoyed myself. There are a lot of great opportunities on the horizon so I’m looking forward to the future. A boss never quits.”
The entrepreneur, who teaches 16 to 25-year-olds how to make money out of performance, is no stranger to the limelight. In 2016 he performed for Princess Anne at a gala dinner which raised £65,000 to support young people. He has appeared on stage at the O2, SSE Arena and Royal Albert Hall. Last summer he helped choreograph a flashmob event in Ealing shopping centre.
On his work, HBoss – who studied management at private business college GSM London in 2012 – said: “I think it is important for young adults to channel their skills in a way that enables them to create a lasting career from it.”
His passion for working with young people led him to help set up the Money for Life programme with Lloyds Bank and charity UK Youth to help youngsters aged 16 to 25 manage their money.
“Through a lot of grit, I’ve been able to shape the next generation,” he said.
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