Codicote’s Lawrence Hill blasts ‘plonker’ Will.i.am after The Voice blunder

Will.i.am on The Voice. Picture credit: Rachel Joseph. (Image: ©ITV Plc)

The 25-year-old appeared on ITV’s show on Saturday night, but after being chosen by Will.i.am, the rapper claimed he had not meant to turn swivel his chair, and was actually just doodling on his buzzer.

“Of course he’s a plonker,” Mr Hill told the Welwyn Hatfield Times. “You can’t turn around to someone after they have been put through that and say things like that without some ramifications, and I’m sure he agrees with me.”

However, Will.i.am went on to praise Mr Hill’s “dope” voice, adding he “believes in destiny, and destiny is the destination”.

Former Sherrardswood School pupil Lawrence has been a full-time artist for a year-and-a-half, performing at Welwyn Hatfield venues including the Doctors Tonic, The Globe and the Christmas lights switch-ons.

However, he said going on The Voice was easily the most nerve-wracking thing he had ever done.

“It doesn’t feel real,” he said of media attention following the show. “It’s a bit of a hailstorm.

“One minute I’m feeling really excited because my name’s everywhere, then five minutes later I’m thinking ‘should I have done this?’.

“I do not have any regrets, but I think I need to understand it better – it’s still sinking in.”

Giving a teaser for the following episode, he added: “From my point of view two things have to happen.

“One is a chat with Will to clear the air, and the other is either I walk or I carry on in the show.

“But I’m feeling very optimistic about what’s coming up, and am so grateful for everyone’s lovely comments because they’re the people that matter at the end of the day.”

Before committing to music full-time, Mr Hill had a gardening company that worked across Hertfordshire, and had stints in retail and at Bob FM.

The next episode is on Saturday, February 11, at 8pm on ITV.