Hollie Peabody’s return to their prison service job after four months away has been “a big crash down to reality,” but it hasn’t dulled the pride they feel in their recent achievements. The 22-year-old from Oxfordshire, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, made a remarkable splash this year on ITV’s The Voice, where they reached the semi-finals and won the attention of music legend Sir Tom Jones.
Hollie, who works in a Category B men’s prison, says balancing their job with life as a television contestant was like “living two very different lives at the same time.” Reflecting on their time on the show, Hollie likened the experience to the fictional Hannah Montana, the popstar-by-day, schoolgirl-by-night character played by Miley Cyrus. “While I was there, it all felt a little bit Hannah Montana,” they say. “I’ve gone from studios to walking on walkways and filling out applications—it’s very, very weird.”
Despite the high-profile success of The Voice, Hollie is committed to their career in the prison service. “This is my career,” they affirm. “I have no intention of leaving—I love it here.”
A Surprise Audition and Unexpected Success
Hollie’s journey to The Voice stage almost didn’t happen. “My ex actually signed me up without telling me,” they recall, explaining how they received an invitation to audition out of the blue. Initially hesitant about putting themselves in the spotlight, Hollie took the plunge despite never having performed in front of a crowd before, aside from a few school shows. “It’s always just been a hobby rather than something I want to do in front of everyone else,” they say, admitting that they were nervous but encouraged by the positive feedback.
Sir Tom Jones turned his chair for Hollie during the blind auditions, and praised their “rare honesty” and unique sound. Fellow judge LeAnn Rimes described Hollie’s voice as “tender,” adding to the growing recognition of their talent.
Hollie’s musical journey took a fast-paced turn as they quickly progressed through the competition. “Normally, you do the little gigs and then you build up to the big things like going on television, whereas I’ve done the television and then booked the little gigs,” Hollie says, reflecting on how they’ve taken an unconventional route to performing.
Overcoming Anxiety Through Work and Music
Hollie credits their work at the prison service as the foundation for their newfound confidence. “When I started working here, I used to really struggle with anxiety,” they admit. “I still do, but the support network that I’ve gained here has built my confidence to a point where I’m sort of running on the life motto of ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’”
It’s this sense of resilience that propelled Hollie to take the stage on The Voice. “It was never about wanting fame and fortune,” they explain. “It was about asking myself, ‘Can I stand on a stage and perform in front of people?’” Looking back on their progress, Hollie says, “I worked so hard on myself to get where I am, and the fact it culminated in doing something that big makes my heart happy. I’m so proud of myself.”
As Hollie returns to their role at the prison, they are grateful for the experience that has brought them new challenges and a new perspective. The combination of their work in the prison service and their budding music career continues to shape their future, and Hollie is ready for whatever comes next—whether it’s on the prison wing or the stage.