AROUND a hundred people turned up to watch a musical duo from ITV’s The Voice UK in Newport city centre today.

Blackwood duo Into The Ark, who are with Team Tom on the ITV show, wowed crowds with some of their hits - including their folk acoustic version of Burning Love by Elvis Presley.

The pairing is made up of 20-year-old singer Taylor Jones and 25-year-old guitarist and backing singer Dane Lloyd.

They busked around the city centre during the day yesterday before taking to the stage in John Frost Square.

Their performance, in partnership with Newport Now, saw around 100 people turn out to see them.

Speaking exclusively to the South Wales Argus, they said they were excited to be back ‘home’ in a city they know well.

“We’ve done a lot of open mic nights here,” said Mr Lloyd. “We did Le Pub last May and it would be nice to come back and do something like that again. 

“Wales and Gwent is our home so there’s no chance we’d ever forget about here.”

Mr Jones added: “People from around here are very patriotic as well so I feel when people see local boys trying to go out and achieve something they all jump on the bandwagon because they want to see local people achieve.

“Live music sort of died for a bit everywhere else but it was still going in South Wales.”

The duo said they love being on Sir Tom Jones’ team, calling him “such a laugh.”

“It was so nerve wracking when we first went on stage,” said Mr Lloyd.

“You’re just waiting and hoping someone will turn. Once someone does turn it’s the best feeling. You stop worrying and just get into the song. It’s great too. Tom Jones is such a laugh, you don’t expect him to be so funny.” 

Mr Jones added: “The Voice has been amazing for us.

“However far we get we’re happy to have even been a part of it. We just wanted to be a platform for people to see us perform.”

Alan Edwards, the chairman of Newport Now said it was a delight to set up the event.

 “These are two very talented local boys who are on the verge of huge success through The Voice,” he said. 

“We’re hoping fans will keep backing the boys if they get through to the public vote stage.”

Into The Ark will vie to get through to the live finals on the show this weekend, in the battles round. 

The Voice returns tomorrow at 8.30pm.

For more information on Into The Ark, visit intothearkofficial.com