The Voice Australia’s Bella Taylor Smith overcomes challenges to pursue singing

Bella Taylor Smith has her fair share of family trauma — including a father who spent time in jail and being the carer for her teenage sister. But she hopes The Voice will help get her through.

She was a standout in the blind auditions, now as The Voice gets to the pointy end, Sydney hopeful Bella Taylor Smith is having to put herself first for a change.

“The way my life has unfolded definitely influences the way that I sing and the way that I share with people,” Taylor Smith told Sunday Confidential.

After years of family trauma – her father has spent time in jail and she is prime carer for her teenage sister – Taylor Smith is now putting everything into her music.

The Voice contestant Bella Taylor Smith (right) is the primary carer for her sister Gabby. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Music is a great motivator for me, it is a safe space. I know that I can always find a peace and a comfort in what I get to do and I feel really grateful for that,” she said.

Taylor Smith, who lives in Sydney’s north, is being mentored by singer Guy Sebastian in the reality singing competition after providing a glimpse during the auditions of the trauma she’d experienced growing up that led her to find comfort in music and her faith.

When she was a teenager, Taylor Smith’s father began using ice. He was arrested in September and was in jail at the time she auditioned for the show.

Bella Taylor-Smith on The Voice. Picture: Supplied

Still very close to him, she is proud to say he is now “clean” for the first time in many years.

“Everyone has their challenges and I feel like that contributes greatly to the way we express ourselves and the way we interact with others,” she said.

“For like 10 years now, things have been extra challenging.”

Taylor Smith has two younger sisters – Gabi and Sophia. Sixteen-year-old, Gabi, lives with her and she is currently helping homeschool the year 11 student.

“Things have always been a bit rocky so there has always been a little bit extra responsibility that I have had I guess,” Taylor Smith said.

“So it doesn’t feel particularly foreign or like it has been thrown on me. I love her a lot, she is my sister and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She is so patient and such a good person so it could be a lot more challenging I am sure, she brings an ease to the whole situation, which I am really grateful for as well.”

Taylor Smith added that Gabi is also an “incredibly talented” singer.

Looking to the future, Taylor Smith intends to follow her singing dreams regardless of what happens on The Voice Australia. Her big dream is to tour the world playing gigs.

“Touring would be my biggest dream for sure,” she said.

“And yeah just writing and releasing music that allows people to have a safe place to feel all of the feelings that they need to.”

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