Being ginger, Jewish and having the voice of a Soul singer was a winning combination for a musician who wowed some of the biggest names in current music, this weekend.

Moni Tivony of Moreton Road, Ongar, flew through to the next round of BBC’s ‘The Voice’ after he stunned judges with his truly unique sound in his first audition on Saturday.

Pop-star Will.i.am hailed the 32 year-old as ‘Jewmaican’ and ‘Jewstafarian’ whilst Essex’s very own Jessie J offered him more than just her mentoring skills.

Mr Tivony’s version of Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’ wowed all four judges into pleading for him to work with them.

Despite the fight for his talents, Mr Tivony says that he already knew who he wanted.

He said: “It was an unreal feeling. To be fair at the time I was in the moment and unaware of everything that was going on around me.

“I think that initially I always had him (Will.i.am) as my first choice, but my second choice would have been Jessie J. She even offered me her house.

“Will.I.am is so quirky and I like to think that I am, too.”

Mr Tivony who works as a Lionel Richie tribute act, as well as the front man for music group ‘Totem’, said that he is looking forward to showing off his talents in the next round.

He said: “I don’t sound the way that I look and people don’t expect my sound to come out of me.

“My dad is Israeli and obviously growing up I was listening to Middle Eastern music. My influences range from reggae to soul, Motown and RnB.

“The battles rounds are next and I will be bringing my battle.”

Mr Tivony who failed to make it through to the X-Factor finals as a part of a group, says that now is his time to shine.

He said: “When it is time to be it will be. Everything happens for a reason.

“You have to keep striving to do what you do best and eventually you will prevail.”