YORK’S The Voice hopeful came home yesterday to perform for primary school pupils in the city ahead of her battle for survival on the show tonight.

Beth McCarthy will go head to head with one other act to get through to the next round of the show.

Beth, 16, will sing for survival against twins Tila and Tavelah, her teammates who are also coached by Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson.

But in the run-up to the competition Beth has faced a major setback when a serious throat infection meant she could barely sing.

She said: “I was really nervous to be going up against two voices, when I know I am not a hugely powerful singer. My strengths are more in my quirks.

“I really like Tila and Tavelah, so it’s bittersweet to compete against them.”

Tonight her fans will find out if Beth has made it through the knock-out round and could make it on to the live shows. It’s down to Ricky and his “battle advisor” Katy B to decide who wins Beth’s fight with Tila and Tavelah.

Yesterday, the former Mount School pupil visited Clifton-with-Rawcliffe primary school to play for the children.

“It’s down to one of my mum’s workmates,” she said.

“Her wedding was my first ever gig when I was 13, and her children go to Clifton-with-Rawcliffe. I’m doing it for her, because she got me started in music.

“Playing for kids is different to a normal gig because you’ve got to play songs they will know to keep them interested, but while adults might stay more subdued, kids just get so excited.”

She plans more visits to schools around York and is even hoping to get back on the streets busking.

“York’s great because everyone gets behind you. People want to get involved and talk to you about the competition, and that’s why I go out busking. Social media is fine, but it’s nice to speak to people in person.

“The support has been amazing, I really appreciate it, it’s been a bit overwhelming.”