The Voice viewers were thrilled to see a ’90s pop star take the stage for an audition on Saturday’s show.
However, 44-year-old Mariama Goodmant, who rose to fame as one-third of the girl group Honeyz, failed to attract the attention of any of the coaches.
Ahead of her solo audition, the singer-turned-midwife said: “I always wanted to see how I would do if I was just me.
‘It’s a completely different feeling than being surrounded by girls doing it with you. When you are alone, the pressure is a little greater.’
Despite delivering a captivating rendition of Irene Cara’s Out Here on My Own, Mariama’s performance failed to convince coaches Olly Murs, Anne-Marie, Sir Tom Jones and Will.i.am to turn their chairs.
Surprise: Mariama Goodmant, 44, who rose to fame when one-third of girl group Honeyz took the stage to audition for The Voice on Saturday night
No Turns: Despite trying her hardest, she failed to get the attention of any of the coaches as none of them turned around in their big red chair
Olly commented: ‘That was a lovely song choice but I feel like halfway through she lost her rhythm and where it was.’
Tom added: ‘She was a good singer though.’
After her audition, Mariama said: ‘It was really nerve-wracking. As soon as I saw my daughter in the corner, it dawned on me.
‘My voice broke a little and I knew: that was it. But I’m glad I showed my daughter that it doesn’t matter how scared you are: if you have a passion, go for it.’
Viewers were left speechless at the decision and took to social media, with one commenting: “Why hasn’t anyone come forward for @mariamagoodman!”
Another expressed confusion at the judges’ choices, saying: ‘I’m sure these judges on #TheVoiceUk are hearing something different from me. The ones I think are good, I ignore them, and the ones that have sounded false to me from the start, I love them and turn away.”
A third viewer frustratingly commented: ‘I’m losing the will to live with this tonight!! The woman (the midwife) at The Honeyz was excellent. Not a single turn.”
Mariama, who replaced founder Heavenli Abdi in 1999, achieved success during her tenure with three Top 10 hit singles: Love of a Lifetime, Never Let You Down and Won’t Take It Lying Down.
Feedback: Olly commented that it was a beautiful song choice, while Tom added that she had a beautiful voice
Strong: Despite not impressing the coaches, Mariama said she showed her daughter that it’s okay to be afraid and that you should always follow your passion no matter what
Shock: Viewers were left speechless at the decision as no one turned around and described Mariama’s audition as ‘excellent’
Old school: Mariama replaced Honeyz founding member Heavenli Abdi and achieved success with the songs Love of a Lifetime, Never Let You Down and Won’t Take It Lying Down
She left the band in August 2000, and Honeyz eventually disbanded in 2001 following Heavenli’s return.
In 2013, Mariama reunited with Heavenli and Célena Cherry for ITV’s The Big Reunion.
She and Célena continue to tour as Honeyz.