British singer Ciiara Nyx has credited songwriting with helping her understand and express her transgender identity after coming out at the age of 15. The 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is Ciiara Baker, recently earned a rare four-chair turn during the blind auditions for ITV’s hit talent show, The Voice UK, following a powerful performance of Portishead’s classic song “Glory Box.”
A Powerful Blind Audition on ITV’s The Voice UK
Originally from Worcestershire-where she grew up across Broadway, Malvern, and Evesham, and previously attended Stratford College-Ciiara Nyx now lives in London studying university-level music. Her standout performance on the ITV television program immediately captured the attention of all available coaches: pop icon Kelly Rowland, music legend Sir Tom Jones, and McFly bandmates Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, who share a double coaching chair.
Faced with overwhelming approval from every member of the judging panel, Nyx ultimately decided to join Team McFly, placing her musical journey in the hands of Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones as she moves forward in the competition.
Using Music to Navigate a Complex Identity
In interviews discussing her appearance on the program, Nyx opened up about the emotional hurdles she faced growing up. She described experiencing persistent internal confusion regarding her identity during her childhood years.
“There was always this weird feeling, like I wasn’t in the right body. I would steal all my mum’s clothes. I would wear her makeup,” Nyx shared, reflecting on her early years.
While those complex emotions were difficult to process as a young person, she found clarity during the quiet isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coming out as trans at 15 marked a major milestone, though she admits the journey was daunting. “I was scared of feeling it and dealing with it because it is a big thing and it’s very complex actually for a young person to go through, but I’m very sure of who I am now,” she explained.
Because verbal communication often felt restrictive, Nyx turned to music as her primary emotional outlet. Songwriting allowed her to translate abstract feelings and internal struggles into accessible artistic expressions.
Family Support and Educational Foundations
Nyx’s path to the national stage has been heavily supported by her mother, Vicki, who admitted she always knew her child was transgender. Though she experienced her own moments of grief, Vicki emphasized that unconditional love and acceptance remained her top priorities. “I’ve had my tears, but I’d rather my girl here and be with me and that’s the bottom line of it all, and she’s happy,” Vicki stated, encouraging her daughter to embrace her authentic self.
Interestingly, it was Vicki who secretly submitted the application that landed Ciiara on the show without her prior knowledge. Nyx, who completed a Level 3 music diploma with a distinction in spring 2025 after struggling with traditional academic subjects, expressed deep gratitude for her mother’s initiative.
With her musical career now gaining national momentum, Ciiara Nyx hopes her time on The Voice UK serves as a launching pad for future creative projects and original music releases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ciiara Nyx
Who is Ciiara Nyx?
Ciiara Nyx (real name Ciiara Baker) is a 21-year-old British singer-songwriter and university music student originally from Worcestershire, who gained widespread public attention by competing on ITV’s The Voice UK.
How did Ciiara Nyx perform on The Voice UK?
During the blind auditions, Ciiara performed a powerful rendition of Portishead’s “Glory Box,” which earned her a prestigious four-chair turn from all the coaching acts.
Which coaches did Ciiara Nyx choose?
After receiving interest from Kelly Rowland, Sir Tom Jones, and McFly members Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, Ciiara chose to be mentored by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
When did Ciiara Nyx come out as transgender?
Ciiara came out as transgender at the age of 15, later noting that songwriting played a vital role in helping her process and articulate her identity.
What is Ciiara Nyx’s educational background?
Before moving to London to study music at university, Ciiara attended Stratford College, progressing from a Level 2 course to Level 3 acting and ultimately completing a Level 3 music diploma with a distinction.
