CUMBRIA singing star Jolan – who shot to fame on TV show The Voice – has said he would like to perform at this year’s Cumbria Pride.

The showman, from Moor Row, said nothing had been confirmed but he would like to appear at the September 17 diversity event in Carlisle city centre.

Jolan was speaking as he gave his backing to the first act – Jordan Gray – to be announced to perform at the annual lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual celebration.

Transgender diva Jordan also appeared on The Voice .

Jolan, who paid tribute to Prince last week for inspiring his career, said: “Jordan is brilliant. She is extremely talented. She is a total performer. I don’t think the shows did her justice.

“I got to see her in a gig before The Voice and she was just brilliant.

“It’s not been confirmed but I might perform as well at Cumbria Pride. It depends what my schedule is like nearer the time but I would like to be there.”

Jordan, 27, said she enjoyed her time on the show, which was an “emotional rollercoaster” but that she’d do it again, and that she was seen as an “artist in her own right”.

Since appearing on the show, Jordan has been inundated with offers and is set to perform at other Pride events in Newcastle, Manchester, Brighton and Cardiff.

Glenn Anderson, one of the organisers of Cumbria Pride, said: “We have announced our first act for Cumbria Pride on September 17 in Carlisle city centre.”

Pop star Marc Almond topped last year’s bill. Other big names included 1970s soul stars The Three Degrees, famous for the hit When Will I See You Again.

Mr Anderson described last year’s event as “a triumph”, saying it had “reached out to their target audience, spreading the word of equality and acceptance”.

The event, which is supported by Carlisle City Council, runs from midday to 6pm.

Meanwhile, Jolan has been making plans for his future career. He said: “I’ve been to and from London a lot in the last few weeks and I’ve got a meeting with Ricky (my coach on The Voice ) next week.

“I can’t say too much at this stage but it’s exciting. I just have to decide what I want to do.”

Jolan, who is playing gigs in Whitehaven next month, said he would like to play the Old Fire Station in Carlisle and the Sands Centre.

Earlier this month, fans queued for the chance to get tickets for his Whitehaven shows.

Demand was so high that the Copeland star had to add an extra night – in June – after his first show sold out in 19 minutes.

He will now host an Intimate Evening with Jolan at Copeland Stadium on Friday, June 24 as well as the sold-out night next Friday, May 6. He is also playing two gigs at the stadium on Saturday, May 21. First, he will play a matinee show – for all ages – at 2.30pm, following it up with a full show, and support, at 7.30pm.

He said: “I’m looking forward to performing back home.”