Image Credit: ITV

Despite being voted out of the competition on Saturday night, the former Sheffield busker has remained upbeat about the next chapter of her career.

Leona Jorgensen, of Norfolk Park, had gathered a loyal army of supporters after her performances on the ITV show talent show The Voice.

Known in the city for her busking on The Moor in the city centre, she was picked by Anne-Marie in the first semi-final last weekend after her rendition of Justin Bieber’s Holy.

However, Saturday’s show saw her lose out to Anne-Marie’s other mentee Craig Eddie in a public vote that was announced online rather than live on air.

Leona took to Instagram last night and said: “From busking to being on your screens was a madness and an absolute pleasure.

“I appreciate your love and support more than you’ll ever know.”

The show’s format was a source of real controversy among viewers as Leona and the three other contestants who performed in the first semi-final were all eliminated.

Meanwhile, each of the quartet who performed on Saturday went through to the final.

This attracted criticism from viewers who felt it was unfair as Saturday’s performers would have been fresher in the minds of voters.

One viewer said on Twitter: “What a complete fix, obviously these 4 were going to get through over the ones that were on last week’s show as they were fresh in people memories.”

Nevertheless, despite the disappointment of Leona’s departure from the show, there was an outpouring of love from fans who expressed their pride at her performances.

A fan commented: “So proud of you, you deserve every inch of success coming your way.”

Another said: “So gutted, you’re my winner no matter what, you’ve done Sheffield proud”.

Leona has expressed her support for her fellow team-mate Craig Eddie and said: “Excited for what’s coming next!!!”