An aspiring singer whose father’s dying wish was for her to break into show business has wowed the judges on a popular talent show.

Ruth Brown, 20, rocketed through to the next round of BBC One’s The Voice on Saturday after performing to millions.

The young songstress, who was born in West Norwood to two Jamaican parents, impressed Welsh crooner Tom Jones and pop star Jessie J with her rendition of David Guetta’s ‘When Love Takes Over’.

Selecting her for the next round of auditions, Jones said: “Anyone with lungs like that is going to be something”.

Jessie J added: “You hit that note so comfortably. Your voice is insane and I love your style.”

Speaking to the Streatham Guardian this week, Ms Brown said she was “nervous” about her next performance, but said she had been inspired by her dad’s support for her on his deathbed.

She said: “My dad died on the 20th of December and before he died he was trying to help me with my singing career.

“I told him I wanted to do The Voice. He said do whatever makes you happy. I know he would want me to give it everything. [That] has helped me through a lot of bad things.”

Ms Brown, who lists Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as her musical influences, said she was being put through her paces by her mentor.

She said:“[Tom] is really nice. He is interested in us. He wants to know what we like. He told me to use my emotion to strengthen me. He has a lot to teach.”

She added that her dream after the show would be to tour with large orchestras like Dame Shirley Bassey, as she doesn’t think she fits the pop star stereotype.

“I would like everyone to know who I am but in the sense that I am not a normal singer who you see on TV,” she said.