SHE said it 'felt like a year' - but took just five seconds for this Hampshire woman's life to change.

Nyema Kalfon's blind audition on The Voice UK captivated judge will.i.am, who spun his chair after just the first few seconds of her song.

Tom Jones also turned during the last moments of the act, but the singer, who grew up in Winchester, chose to join forces with the ex-Black Eyed Peas star for when she competes in the 'battle rounds'.

The 22 year old, who has recently relocated to Farnborough, moved to Winchester during her junior school years and attended Kings Worthy Primary, before going up to Henry Beaufort.

She said: "It felt like a year before Will turned around when I was up there, but afterwards, everyone said it was really quick, and when I watched it back, I was so shocked - I had no idea it would happen!

"I am such a fan of his. When Tom turned around, believe me, I was absolutely honoured - I was like 'wow'! But I chose Will because, when he turned round early, I felt a connection and knew he would be the best option."

Nyema now works behind the bar at the Gloster pub in Farnborough.

Before moving away, she was a member of Winchester Theatre Arts School for around six years.

Claire Goodwin, principal of the performance school, said: "It was very exciting for all of us to see her on screen.

"She came here when she was 13 as a singer, took up dancing and acting, and went on to play three main parts in our annual shows.

"All of us here would like to wish her the best - she definitely has what it takes."

The artist is well known for her singing in Winchester, having played many gigs at city venues, including the Railway Inn and The Willow.

Nyema added: "I've done gigs, but now the dream is to perform as a career. It is an all time wish of mine to sing alongside Rudimental.

"After all the hard training, I feel it is starting to pay off. I sang 'Answerphone' because I'm in love with Ella Eyre and I needed a song to get the crowd going.

"The judges can't see you at first, which is a good thing because if I could see their faces, or even the backs of their heads, I would have freaked. But they can see the audience, and they got really involved which definitely helped."

Nyema told the Daily Echo that she is in the middle of planning return shows to Winchester, and hopes to play at the Railway again.

Her success comes after that of Donel Mengena, the Southampton teenager who reached the live shows of last year's The Voice UK series.