The Voice: Winner Craig Eddie thanks Scottish viewers for 'incredible' backing

The Voice winner Craig Eddie has thanked Scottish viewers for their “incredible” support and vowed to continue doing the country proud.
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The New Carron man claimed victory in the live final of the ITV programme on Saturday night after performing his own song, Come Waste My Time, which has since rocketed to the top of the UK iTunes chart.

Craig’s track has already made The Voice history by becoming the best-performing self-written winner’s single.

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The 23-year-old saw off stiff competition from Grace Holden, Hannah Williams and Okulaja to win the public vote – and admitted the feat still hasn’t sunk in.

Craig Eddie, of New Carron, was crowned the winner of The Voice UK 2021. Picture: Rachel Joseph/ITV Studios.Craig Eddie, of New Carron, was crowned the winner of The Voice UK 2021. Picture: Rachel Joseph/ITV Studios.
Craig Eddie, of New Carron, was crowned the winner of The Voice UK 2021. Picture: Rachel Joseph/ITV Studios.

He said: “I’m feeling good.

“I’m still in that dream-like mind state because it doesn’t actually feel like that did just happen because it is so surreal.

“Afterwards me, Olly Murs and Anne-Marie had a socially distanced drink. I just looked at Olly and Anne-Marie and thought, ‘This is mad’.”

Addressing fans’ backing, Craig said: “I just want to say thank you very much because without your support I wouldn’t be here.

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“What you’ve done for me in the past month and a bit has been absolutely incredible.

“I did not anticipate it approaching this magnitude whatsoever. I hope to reach levels that nobody, especially me, would ever think I could reach and just do the town proud, do Scotland proud and shoot for the stars.”

While those cheering on the ex-St Mungo’s High School pupil may have felt nervy, even-tempered Craig was able to keep his cool.

The former Greggs employee concedes even he was surprised by how relaxed he was.

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And with mum Tracey confidently predicting success beforehand, Craig was pleased to win for her and dad Craig Sr, a fellow musician.

He said: “Because of the magnitude of the situation, with it being live, I really did think I’d be very nervous but I actually surprised myself.

“My mum is over the moon. She’s just in tears of joy all the time, my dad as well.

“I can see how proud my dad is because I’m following in his footsteps when it comes to music, so it’s a really good feeling knowing that I’m making my dad happy and proud.”

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The decision to sing an original song – first penned 18 months ago – was one Craig knew carried an element of risk.

However, he’s more than happy with his choice and is looking forward to performing it as soon as lockdown restrictions ease for a home audience in Falkirk district.

Craig continued: “The second the restrictions are lifted, I’ll be everywhere. I live for the live performances.

“I knew it was a good song. I was just waiting for the right time to release it and I don’t think there was a better time to do it than last night.”

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Since his first appearance on The Voice, Craig has been open about his difficulties with anxiety.

He’s now determined to use his victory as a platform to support others battling mental health issues.

“It is extremely important to me,” Craig said. “I try to incorporate the subject matter of mental health into casual conversation so that it’s as normal talking about your mental health as it is saying what you’re having for dinner that night.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

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