The Voice reject Cooper angry over ageist axe

The Voice reject J Marie Cooper is fuming after she was axed from the show, claiming the decision was unfair as it was based on her age.

The 27-year-old flame-haired singer was given the boot when she lost out to 17-year-old Sophie Griffin after they sang Firework in the battle round in the BBC1 talent show on Saturday.

Coach will.i.am admitted he picked Griffin because, as a teenager, she has more scope to grow as an artist - but Cooper is adamant age shouldn't have factored into his decision.

In a Twitter.com rant, she raged, "I am gutted... I wanted to do the live shows. Feel the decision could have been based more on my voice.

"There was a lot cut from my final edit of The Voice, including any emotion or story I might have had.

"I don't feel I was portrayed entirely correctly. I have experience as a singer yes, but needed this opportunity too. I am still working for £7.50 an hour.

"I have a lot of love for all of the contestants on The Voice and I still support the show. But I'm real and always gonna tell it like it is.

"The fact that I am 27 should not have even been a factor. It's called The Voice not The Age. I'm stating facts here.

"(The coaches saying) 'She's as good as she can get' (is) also an assumption. Anyone knows as an artist/singer you never stop learning. I always think I can grow more."

But Cooper, who has previously sung on Strictly Come Dancing, insists she's pleased to have been a part of The Voice, adding, "I am grateful for the opportunity, 100 per cent.

"It's given me a platform I otherwise wouldn't have had but to use someone's age when they are only 27 is not right."