17-year-old Frank Raven mesmerises with piano rendition of Billy Idol classic “Rebel Yell” on The Voice UK semi-finals, before taking the song into a surprise direction with powerf

Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” was Frank Raven’s song choice when The Voice UK aired its semi-final on October 24, 2026. The 17-year-old Derbyshire contestant, representing McFly members Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, avoided opening with the track’s familiar punk attitude. Seated at a piano, he instead introduced the song through a restrained vocal performance that highlighted his expressive delivery and creamy upper register.

That subdued beginning did not last. Frank shifted from the softer, melodic section into a higher-energy rock performance, eventually abandoning conventional television decorum by climbing on top of the piano. The change prompted members of the crowd to stand and encourage him. His distinctive voice, commanding stage presence and individual artistic instincts were presented as qualities that could benefit him as a singer-songwriter.

Frank had established that individuality earlier in the competition. The former New Mills School student learned keyboard without formal instruction and decided to enter after a friend suggested it. During the blind auditions, he attracted attention by stripping back Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast,” offering an early example of his preference for remaking songs rather than simply reproducing their established arrangements.

His battle-round selection was Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please.” Along with the earlier Lana Del Rey cover, that performance showed his willingness to personalize material drawn from contemporary pop and alternative music. The unexpected structure of his semi-final number was therefore consistent with the approach he had taken since the beginning of his time on the program.

Watch the full performance on page two