Spanish ‘The Voice’ star says talent is from Tallaght roots
By Mary Dennehy
ONE of Spain’s youngest pop sensations, 16-year-old international singer Calum Heaslip, this week told The Echo how he believes his talent and appetite for music has grown from his Tallaght roots.
A household name in Spain, Calum rose to fame on the Spanish version of The Voice for kids and last Friday made his first Irish appearance on The Late Late Show – during which he was interviewed by Ryan Tubridy and performed his song Hey Baby, which has gathered millions of hits online.
Appearing on the Irish chat show was a special moment for the young singer as it gave him the opportunity to perform in his dad’s hometown, and spend a few days here in Tallaght – which included a visit to St Anne’s GAA Club in Bohernabreena and The Square shopping centre.
Originally from St Maelruain’s Park in Tallaght, Calum’s dad Kevin Heaslip moved to Mallorca in 1987 to play in an Irish pub for the summer.
Kevin told The Echo: “I loved it in Spain, so came back and played other pubs until we opened our pub The Auld Triangle in Santa Ponsa 19 years ago.”
It was watching his dad perform in pubs that a young Calum, whose mam is Spanish, got his taste for music.
Speaking with The Echo this week, Calum said: “I started playing guitar at the age of five and my dad was my first influence, I used to watch him perform in our pub and I knew I wanted to be a performer.
“I think most of the music comes from my Irish roots. My sister Megan is 20 and plays guitar, piano and sings as well . . . we grew up with music in the house always.”
He added: “The Late Late Show was great fun, I was very nervous but Ryan Tubridy was great . . . he was so friendly and all of the team made me feel very welcome.
“I enjoyed visiting Tallaght too, but it was short, we arrived on Thursday and left on Sunday.
“We met with some friends and family on Saturday and we visited my dad’s old GAA club St Anne’s in Bohernabreena as well.”
When asked how he is coping with his whirlwind success, which has garnered him global fame and fans, Calum said: “I don’t think about the fame side of things too much.
“I still go to a normal school and have the same friends from my childhood.
“When I’m not working my life is that of a normal 16-year-old – study, sport and messing of course!”
Follow Calum on Instagram and Twitter.
