Kyra Smith on The Voice UK:A Rising Star with POTS

Imagine having a dream to become a singer, but your own body fights against you every step of the way. This is the reality for 20-year-old Kyra Smith, a talented young musician from Manchester who lives with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS). Her story moved the judges—and the audience—on The Voice UK as she delivered a stunning performance of Golden Slumbers by The Beatles, showcasing not only her incredible talent but her resilience.

What is PoTS?

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, or PoTS, is a condition that causes a person's heart rate to spike rapidly when moving from a seated or lying position to standing. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and extreme fatigue, which can significantly impact daily life. For Kyra, it has meant re-learning how to sing—sitting down. Since becoming an ambulatory wheelchair user a year ago, she has faced numerous challenges, but she hasn’t let PoTS stop her from pursuing her passion.

The Moment That Stunned the Judges

When Kyra took the stage, no one knew the depth of her struggle. She opened up before her audition, sharing how her health had declined suddenly, leaving her bed-bound for months before doctors diagnosed her with PoTS. “I had to re-learn how to sing sitting down,” she explained. Despite this, Kyra wowed the judges with her soulful and emotional rendition of Golden Slumbers, prompting two chair turns from Sir Tom Jones and the McFly duo, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

The judges praised her “unique sound,” but it was Sir Tom's compliment on her “lovely” rendition that brought Kyra to tears. Overwhelmed, she admitted, “I didn’t think I would cry,” but the emotion of the moment was shared by everyone watching.

Overcoming the Odds

For Kyra, music has been a lifeline. As she shared on the show, “What helped me most was music,” expressing how it gave her a sense of purpose and an outlet amid the difficulties her condition has brought. She is determined to show the world that, even with limitations, you can still pursue your dreams.

Kyra’s performance on The Voice UK is a powerful reminder that talent and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Her journey is not just about music; it's about resilience, adaptability, and courage. Fans flooded social media to praise her as an inspiration, with one viewer tweeting, “Kyra is such an inspiration. Raising awareness of her condition and performing so beautifully.”

The Road Ahead

After her emotional audition, Kyra chose to join Team Danny and Tom (from McFly), setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead. As The Voice UK progresses, Kyra continues to challenge perceptions and break down barriers for performers with disabilities.

Raising Awareness

Kyra’s story shines a spotlight on conditions like PoTS, which often go unnoticed or misunderstood. In helping to raise awareness, she joins a growing list of celebrities who have publicly shared their jouney with POTS. PoTS can severely limit someone’s ability to engage in everyday activities, but Kyra's journey shows that people with chronic conditions can still achieve extraordinary things. As Tom Fletcher said, “Having you on this show is doing an amazing thing for other people like you—wheelchair users who want to be on stage performing.”

In Conclusion

Kyra Smith’s appearance on The Voice UK is more than just another audition. It’s a story of triumph over adversity, of finding strength in vulnerability, and of inspiring others to chase their dreams no matter the obstacles in their way. Her beautiful voice, coupled with her determination, will no doubt continue to inspire many.

‍