U on Sunday’s Hot 19 for 2019: Ellen Reed

Few could forget the moment this flame-haired beauty bowled over one of the biggest names in the music business with her phenomenal rendition of Sia’s Chandelier, snapping up the last spot on team Jessie J on The Voice Australia in 2016.

Few could forget the moment this flame-haired beauty bowled over one of the biggest names in the music business with her phenomenal rendition of Sia’s Chandelier, snapping up the last spot on team Jessie J on The Voice Australia in 2016.

ELLEN REED

30, singer/songwriter

STAR FACTOR: She’s the vocal powerhouse with passion and prowess to burn

The Brisbane performer went on to make the Grand Final of the reality singing competition, cementing herself as one of Queensland’s most exciting voices and becoming one of the state’s most in-demand talents.

After working consistently in the music scene since the show, 2018 became a major turning point in Reed’s career with the rising star returning to television – this time in a position of expertise rather than one of aspiration – as a judge on Channel 7’s hit talent show All Together Now.

Appearing as one of “the 100”, captained by star Ronan Keating, on the popular debut Australian series was “a highlight of the year” for Reed.

“Being able to experience the audition process from the other side was crazy and being given the opportunity to learn more about performing from seeing the other side of it was incredible,” she says.

But it was just one of many high points for the accomplished artist, who performed across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, including a “huge bucket list item” appearance trackside

at Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup.

“I had previously worked for a betting company years ago, and every year I would say, ‘I’ll be singing there one day’, so I was stoked to actually do it,” she says. “It was pouring rain and we were rained out for part of my set and I still was so happy to be there.”

But Reed – who wouldn’t rule out a return to television when asked by U on Sunday – has a feeling 2019 will be her biggest and best year yet as she returns as the official Queensland Firebirds ambassador for the third time, releases new music and takes on some “amazingly big gigs” she can’t yet reveal.

“I have a few surprises in store for everyone,” she says, remaining tight-lipped about the details.

Now living her childhood dream of being a professional singer, she says she owes her success to the confidence and opportunities she gained after putting herself out there on The Voice.

“I was scared of this life and I didn’t have the confidence to pursue a professional singing career,” she says of life before the show.

“The fact that the amazing crew who work on that show held my hand week after week and always believed in me, and the way that I was embraced by the public during the show, helped me believe in myself enough to pursue this life.”