Transgender singer speaks of TV talent show '˜rollercoaster'

A SINGER from the Lothians who became the first transgender contestant on hit TV show The Voice has spoken of her 'rollercoaster' of a journey for the first time since being voted off the programme.

Jordan Gray performs on The Voice last week. Picture: BBC

Jordan Gray, 27, said she was “disappointed” she was no longer in the running to win the competition, but was looking forward to being back on BBC1 tonight supporting her fellow contestants in the live final.

Jordan, who lives in Musselburgh with her mother, told the Evening News before her first live performance two weeks ago that it was important people saw her as an “artist in her own right” and not just a woman.

Jordan said: “Being on The Voice was such an emotional rollercoaster but one that I’d get back on again.

“I love The Voice because it’s the show for me that has the most integrity and it’s all about creative freedom.

“The best way to describe my experience was like being in a bubble – and when it pops it’s easier to breathe again.

“I think towards the end of my time on the programme it stopped being about my gender and more about my performances.

“It was such a wonderful stepping stone in my life and I’m very proud of what I’ve done.”

Jordan, who officially came out as a woman two years ago, spent the first eight years of her music career as a man.

The 27 year-old, who is originally from Essex, wasn’t originally picked by the judges for the final stages of the show – despite impressing them with her version of Bob Dylan’s 1966 hit Just Like A 
Woman.

But when a member of Paloma Faith’s team dropped out, plucky Jordan was given a second chance – and found herself just one step away from the final.

She said: “I was just one step away from my dream goal which was to reach the final.

“I’m still happy, though, because it keeps me working.

“We were all such a tight family, but myself and Lydia go way back so I do hope she wins.”

Jordan, who is also known as Tall Dark Friend, has said she will now be concentrating on releasing her next album and performing at gigs all over the UK.

The singer, who moved to Scotland two years ago, is yet to perform here.

She said: “That’s definitely something I will be changing.

“It would be nice to sing in Edinburgh and hopefully do a tour of Scotland.”

Jordan, who used to holiday in East Lothian regularly, moved to Musselburgh after falling in love with the area.

She told the News two of her favourite places to visit are North Berwick and Roslin Glen and she hopes to see more of the country.

The Voice final will be shown on BBC1 tonight where remaining artists Lydia Lucy, Cody Frost, Kevin Simm and Jolan will battle it out for the title.

The show begins at 7pm, going head-to-head with Britain’s Got Talent.