Teen singer’s voice tugs at heartstrings but so will his background story

THERE wasn’t a dry eye in the house when 17-year-old Hoseah Partsch performed Ariana Grande’s ‘‘Almost Is Never Enough’’ during the blind auditions on The Voice.

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THERE wasn’t a dry eye in the house when 17-year-old Hoseah Partsch performed Ariana Grande’s ‘‘Almost Is Never Enough’’ during the blind auditions on The Voice.

Now, heading into the knockout rounds of the competition, the shy singer hopes by speaking out about his less than privileged upbringing, he can inspire Australian audiences even more.

Hoseah Partsch, 17, has already tugged on heartstrings but now hopes to up the ante.

The New-Zealand born contestant has revealed that for most of his life he’s worn second-hand clothes and lived in a one-bedroom apartment with his three siblings, mother Queen and grandparents. Often there wasn’t food on the table for dinner.

“Growing up was very rough. It was so tough. It’s emotional thinking about it,” he said.

He said he originally auditioned for the show to change circumstances for his family. But now it’s taken on a bigger meaning.

“I want to inspire other kids. Whether you’re poor or not, you have to follow your dream.”

Brittania Clifford-Pugh and James Banks also have compelling backstories and will be sure to give Partsch a run for his money.

It’s this type of compelling backstory that resonates with viewers of the hit reality show. Before appearing on The Voice, Season One winner Karise Eden’s life was marred by stints in women’s refuges.

Season Two winner Harrison Craig also inspired audiences with his triumph over his stutter.

However, to get through to the voting stages the Victorian-based contestant has to battle it out between fellow Team George artists, who also have their own compelling backstories. Patsch is in a group with the show’s first veiled Muslim singer Brittania Clifford-Pugh and former drag queen James Banks to perform songs with meaning.

Partsch hopes he can be a role model for disadvantaged kids.

Regardless of what happens in the emotionally charged performance, Partsch believes he’s already won. “I’m living the dream,” he said.

“I was flown to Sydney to audition and got to stay in an expensive hotel, getting free food. That is the dream for me!”