Matthew Protheroe (born 31 December 1989), known professionally as Vince Kidd, is an English singer who was a finalist on the first series of The Voice UK. ^[1] In 2018, he began releasing music under the name billy blond. In 2023, he became a member of the duo, Blond & Redshank.

Appearing on the second of four audition shows, Kidd auditioned with " Like a Virgin", originally by Madonna—with all four coaches electing for him to join their teams; from which Kidd selected Jessie J. ^[1] During the battle rounds, Kidd sang " We Found Love" by Calvin Harris & Rihanna against seventeen-year-old Jessica Hammond—with Jessie crowning him the winner. ^[1] In the second live show, Kidd performed Elvis Presley's rendition of " Always on My Mind"—proceeding to the next round on account of the public vote. ^[1] In the fourth live show, Kidd performed Whitney Houston's " My Love Is Your Love"—proceeding once again to the next round on account of the public vote. ^[1] In the semi-finals, Kidd performed " Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse—advancing to the final. In the final of The Voice UK, Kidd performed both " Many Rivers to Cross" and " Nobody's Perfect"—the latter alongside coach Jessie J—ultimately finishing in fourth place. ^[1]

Following The Voice UK, an eight-track compilation was released in June 2012 featuring Kidd's renditions of "Like a Virgin" and "Always On My Mind"; entering the UK chart at number ninety-seven and one-hundred-and-thirty-four respectively. ^[2] Vince released his debut extended play—Sick Love—in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2012; ^[3] which peaked at number one-hundred-and-ninety-eight on the UK chart. ^[4]

A music video for his second EP, The Zoo, featuring The Saturdays' Vanessa White, was uploaded to YouTube on 20 April 2013. ^[5] The EP was released on 2 June 2012.

"You And Me" was released as a single on iTunes on 7 June 2013. "My Gang" was released as a single on 11 September 2013. ^[6] In May 2014, he lent his vocals to Alpines song, "Zero", featured on their debut album. He also co-wrote the song.

He featured on the Hollaphonic song "Dangerous", released on 9 February 2015. The song reached No. 1 in Qatar. ^[7]

A song he co-wrote, "What Would Dusty Do?", was recorded by X Factor 2014 finalist Andrea Faustini, and released on his debut album on 17 July 2015.

Discography

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

With Blond & Redshank

Guest appearances

References