‘The Voice’ contestant dies aged 11

An 11-year-old contestant on the Spanish version of The Voice TV talent show passed away on Tuesday in Valencia, her parents confirmed. Young Iraila had been suffering from cancer for the last four years.

Her performances on La Voz Kids, a children’s offshoot of the international singing competition franchise, were recorded last July when she was still healthy. Telecinco had been due to broadcast her appearance in the show’s second-round “battle phase” this Thursday.

Iraila provided one of the most emotional moments of the series when she was chosen to continue to the next stage. The youngster broke down in tears when all three of the show’s celebrity coaches – Spanish singers Malú, David Bisbal and Rosario Flores – turned round to pick her for their teams.

She decided to go with Malú, who offered her condolences on Twitter upon hearing of Iraila's passing. “Once again death shows itself in its most unfair form… Iraila my love the angels are waiting for you… Rest in peace.”

Bisbal also expressed his sadness. “I am very moved and speechless over the death of Iraila,” the pop star wrote on Twitter. “Courage and strength to her family.”

Upon hearing the news, Telecinco released the following statement: “At this time, representatives of [show producers] Mediaset España and Boomerang TV are traveling to Valencia to express their condolences to Iraila’s parents […] and listen to their wishes with respect to her presence in the contest, which was recorded several months ago.”