The Voice star Kian Egan blasts radio stations for failing to play show winners

TV talent show host Kian Egan has called on Ireland's radio stations to broadcast more music from Irish artists, saying their failure to do so is damaging the music industry here.

The Voice of Ireland judge has blamed the lack of support for Irish musicians as the main reason why the first three winners of the show haven't made a breakthrough.

"I am sure they are doing well enough and making a living", Kian said. "But you don't see them supporting the big acts when they perform in Ireland.

"That's because they get very little air-play on Ireland's stations and their name doesn't travel in the industry as a result. The support for Irish musicians needs to be stronger," Kian said.

He suggested a system similar to France where 60pc of air play has to be French artists.

He added that he believed there was a perspective in Ireland that a talent show on TV was regarded just as a TV show and people didn't automatically consider transferring the stars of it to radio.

Kian was speaking ahead of last night's show which saw three Dubliners make it through to the battle stages of the contest.

Kenneth Usher (27) was Tallaght said he was "overwhelmed" when the chairs turned for him last night.

Brave Kayleigh Cullinan (19), who has limited vision in her right eye following a vicious attack in 2010, also went through while Lanni Power (29) was selected for Rachel Stevens' team.

Kian said he hopes he and the other judges will pick a prospective big-name act this year.

"The show has been running a long time now and it's time we got a successful act out of it."

Kian was speaking as he became ambassador in a campaign to help Sligo baby Rory Gallagher defy medics' predictions that he will be in a wheelchair for life from the age of three. Rory, has arched feet and spastic lower limbs.

"I am going to mention Rory's case whenever I get the opportunity. The Voice might not be ideal because of its format, but I will mention it every other time that I am interviewed. He deserves this chance," said Kian.

A specialist in the US hopes to operate on Rory but the procedure will cost €120,000. Supporters can help the campaign with texts to FEET 57802.

Source: Independent.ie