Video: Black Country student makes it into the next round of ITV's The Voice

Blessing Chitapa, from Dudley, wowed the X Factor runner-up on the talent show with her rendition of Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind.

The audience cheered as Olly Murs turned during the blind audition, criticising the other judges for not picking her.

Although Will.i.am, Tom Jones and Meghan Trainor all praised her "awesome" voice and control – and the 17-year-old Dudley College student's age.

Blessing, whose parents are pastors at the Cornerstone Fellowship International Church, in West Bromwich, said: "I grew up in the church and I'm surrounded by music.

"I could sing for a whole day if I had the chance.

"I want to inspire other people who feel they are too young to do this – I'm standing up for people who feel they can't do it."

The sixth form student currently studies biology, chemistry and psychology and has an ambition to become a doctor.

But she has put those dreams on hold – for the moment – as she tries to win The Voice.

Olly Murs said: "I was thinking you were in your 30s because you had so much soul – you're crazily good.

"They are going to regret not turning for you."

The judge later took to social media to praise the Black Country singer.

He posted: "Mark my words these coaches will regret not turning. Coming on The Voice was an actual 'Blessing' – buzzing to have ya on Team Olly."

Blessing is now through to the battle rounds where the coaches pit their singers against each other in front of a live studio audience.