A SINGER-SONGWRITER from Stevenage is preparing for battle as he appears on a TV talent contest tonight (Saturday).

Nadeem Leigh performs on BBC1’s The Voice as he competes in the battle rounds for a place in the knockout stages.

The 34-year-old will be trying to impress coach and frontman for The Script O’Donoghue while going head-to-head with Karl Michael, following rehearsals working with singing star Dido.

Nadeem, who attended Stevenage schools Brooms Barns, Letchmore Infants, Almond Hill and John Henry Newman, will be watching the pre-recorded show which starts at 7.10pm with family and friends in his home town.

If coach Danny doesn’t pick Nadeem, fellow judges Tom Jones, Jessie J and will.i.am of Black Eyes Peas-fame have the opportunity to ‘steal’ the singer for their own team.

Speaking to the Comet this week, Nadeem said: “The good thing about The Voice as opposed to other shows is it certainly feels like a very personal experience – you never feel bunched in together. There’s a sense of family in team Danny where we all get on really well and we’ve all being getting on like a house on fire but the experience of working with Danny and Dido has been very personal. It’s been mindblowing.

“I can’t say too much about the battle but it’s a real shame that I’m competing against one of my best friends on team Danny. It’s been a bitter sweet experience as only one of us can be chosen by Danny to go through.

“The song that we’re doing is a personal song to both of us and what we’ve tried to do is create a great performance on stage. We know we’ve got to try to out-do each other but it’s more about two great singers on stage enjoying the experience.”

Last month Nadeem performed gigs at venues in Stevenage and Hitchin, adding that the support he’s received has been overwhelming.

He said: “The public’s response to my gigs and when I’ve been around town has been great. It feels like Stevenage has really got behind me and I’d like to say thank you to everyone for that.”