The Voice Australia 2023: 15 new acts to watch on The Voice as new judge Jason Derulo arrives
Here are 15 hot acts to watch out for in the latest season of reality singing competition The Voice Australia, as US pop star Jason Derulo joins the judging panel.
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Anticipation is building ahead of the latest season of reality singing competition The Voice Australia.
In the constantly revolving red chairs, US pop star Jason Derulo will slip into the seat vacated by Keith Urban. And we’re expecting sparks to fly given the Ridin’ Solo singer has gone on the record saying he will do whatever it takes to beat fellow coaches Rita Ora, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy.
Derulo has been impressed by what he’s already seen at the blind auditions
“Australia did not come to play,” he said. “There is some world-class talent here.”
From former football stars, to gardeners, a wannabe 1D success story and a pair of Aussie country music legends, here are 15 acts to look out for in this 11th season of The Voice.
ETIENNE STEVEN
19, Qld
Former competitive rower
She was on the brink of Olympic selection, but the intense training took a toll on her voice, so Etienne made the tough decision to focus on her true passion of music. Now studying at music full time, she also shares teaches kindergarten kids.
“I represented the state and was training hoping to reach the Olympics, but I really love to sing, and had to choose it”
THE BUSHWACKERS
70, NSW
Country music legends
Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett have been a prominent force in Australian music since 1971, garnering three Golden Guitars and 25 albums for the band. Dobe co-wrote the iconic, unofficial national anthem “I am Australian”.
“We sing in unashamedly Australian accents in a straightforward manner without vocal ornamentation.”
NICK CUNNINGHAM
31, Qld
Carpenter
Nick – partner of Dancing With The Stars professional Lily Cornish – grew up on a sprawling 13,000-acre farm in country SA. Standing at a towering 196cm, he played junior football at Port Adelaide, before he headed to Byron Bay and found a new inspiration in the thriving music scene.
“I’m signing up for The Voice to put myself out of my comfort zone and try something new.”
SEAN MILLIS
22, Vic
TikTok star
Sean battles a rare illness called Hunter Syndrome, which requires a weekly hospital visit for a full day of infusions. The TikTokker, who only has 67 per cent lung capacity, formed such a deep bond with nurses that some of them drove nine hours to Sydney to support him at his blind audition.
“I can’t control my health, but I can control my singing that’s why it’s so special.”
DAVID AUMUA
24, Qld
Youth worker
Growing up in a close-knit family of 13 siblings, David values the importance of strong family bonds and aims to instil that sense of belonging in his clients. Although he grapples with insecurities, he finds solace in singing online, where he can hide behind a screen.
“Being insecure about my body, the greatest thing about performing on The Voice stage is you are not judged for what you look like and they will be judging my voice and nothing else”.
SHANAE WATSON
21, Vic
Executive assistant
Shanae was a surprise audition, initially coming to the Blinds, to support her dad Chris. Participating in The Voice was Chris’ way of inspiring his daughter, an aspiring musician who has faced setbacks in the past, to never give up on her dreams.
“I dream of singing my song in front of a crowd and they join in singing with me”
ROBBIE HUNT
18, NSW
TikTokker
Raised in government housing, Robbie’s family hardships have meant a tight knit support system in his Mum and brother. He’s already established a dedicated fan base thanks to his rendition of Great Balls of Fire, inspired by the movie Top Gun.
“My first brush with fame was when I posted a 15 second clip of me singing ‘Great balls of fire’ on TikTok which got over 30 million views.”
TEE & RAYE
Both 33, Vic
Operations manager & Business banker
Born days apart and raised as twins, the cousins haven’t sang together since Raye’s mother’s funeral in 2017. They’ve had years apart, until Raye recently returned home to be closer to family and especially Tee.
“I can’t believe I get to be able to sing and do what I love on one of the biggest stages in the world with my cousin”
OVERNIGHT
Tyler Wade, 18; Harry Herbert, 18; Emmerson Garcia, 18; Kai Spindler, 18; and Jai Ellevsen, 17, NSW
Boy band
The boys are high school best mates who are united in their quest to become the next big thing in Australia, inspired by Brit band One Direction.
“We want to make boy bands cool again”
TARRYN STOKES
40, Vic
Vocal teacher
This mum of two was a back-up singer in a previous life. She sees this as her last chance to pursue her dreams and is determined to overcome her fears.
“I’ve been a backing singer for many artists including; Delta, Jess Mauboy, Guy Sebastian and Paulini”
ALEX JEANS
30, NSW
Landscape Gardener
With a degree in musical theatre and touring with American Idiot The Musical last year, Alex has made a few tentative steps to a full-time music career. His famil
“I spent a lot of time listening to my dad’s Queen records growing up, and since then I’ve always been singing”
EZRA WILLIAMS
28, NZ
Musicians
Ezra is determined to step out of her sisters’ shadows – Emily was the 2005 Australian Idol runner-up and a member of Young Divas, alongside Jessica Mauboy, and Lavina finished in the top 8 the next year, and had a brief stint as part of the Young Divas. Despite her family discouraging her music passions, thanks to the abundance of singers in the household, Ezra hopes to create her own legacy in the industry.
“My sisters were part of Ma-V-Elle, and The Young Divas, but it’s now my time to step out of my sister’s shadows and shine my light”
ETHAN BECKTON
18, NSW
Landscaper
Ethan is a thrillseeker who loves exploring forest trails and conquering massive dirt jumps. He also taught himself how to sing and play musical instruments from online tutorials, keeping his talents hidden from all bar his girlfriend Tia.
“I could never see myself sitting behind a desk I need to be outside or on a stage.”
BELLA MACKENZIE
18, Qld
Personal assistant
Growing up in a small mining town, Bella developed her love of country music at her local pub. While she’s been encouraged to pursue a more mainstream sound, she’s ready to make her mark and put country music back on the charts.
“I want to inspire other country and rural kids to live out their dreams and believe in themselves”
CHARLIE PITTMAN
25, NSW
Nanny
It was Charlie’s dad’s dying wish that his son move to Australia and pursue his dreams of auditioning for The Voice.
“After wanting to pursue music I needed some extra cash, so becoming a Nanny helped me pay for instruments and singing lessons.”
The Voice Australia Blind Auditions, From Sunday, 7pm, Seven
Originally published as The Voice Australia 2023: 15 new acts to watch on The Voice as new judge Jason Derulo arrives
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