A BOY band from Bolton were a hit on ITV talent show The Voice last night.

Next Gen, whose members are Cian Gleeson,22, from Horwich, Sonny Hardman,21, from Atherton and Joel Healy,21, from Salford, had Olly Murs and Will.i.am both turning their chairs for them.

The trio decided to go with Black Eyed Peas front man, Will.i.am, who told them: “You guys are freakin’ awesome!

“I saw the future – it’s like ‘oh my gosh’ – there’s going to be stadiums of people screaming for them.”

The trio had girl fans in the audience screaming when they performed the Justin Timberlake hit, Cry Me A River.

Olly Murs told them: “I loved your energy…all the ladies in the room were going wild and that’s what you want, that’s the fanbase you’re going to be gearing towards with your album and your music.”

The boys were formerly members of a five-piece band called YES LAD! Which made it through to the final round of The X-Factor in 2016.

Speaking on last night’s show, Cian said: “The group has gone their separate ways but us three are still mates and we saw The Voice as a great opportunity.

“We’re trying to keep the dream alive, I suppose.”

Sonny said that since The X-Factor, the boys have been “working hard, doing gigs, grafting and doing anything that will make singing our lives because that’s all we ever want to do.”

Remarkably, their appearance on last night’s show was the first thing they had done as a trio, which Joel said was scary but exciting.

The boys were filmed playing football and walking down a cobbled backstreet during their filmed segment of the programme.

Sonny caused laughter when he said: “We spend 24/7 with each other and they do get annoying sometimes, I can’t lie.”

The boys’ proud mums, Ocla, Emma and Elaine, were also interviewed and could be seen sobbing with emotion at Next Gen’s success.

Although they didn’t turn their chairs, the shows other judges, Sir Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson, were also impressed with the performance.

Jennifer Hudson said: “I love their energy. They woke up the room. They gave it a fresh energy and everyone went crazy.”

The Voice continues on ITV next Saturday night.