From shy guy to stunner: Zach Fawor, 16, wows The Voice judges at auditions
A naturally shy lad, Zach Fawor thought he would make a fool of himself when he went for The Voice blind auditions after being nominated by his mum without his knowledge.
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A naturally shy lad, Zach Fawor thought he would make a fool of himself when he went for The Voice blind auditions after being nominated by his mum without his knowledge.
Instead, the 16-year-old Padstow singer’s version of Mercy turned not one but three of the judges on the hit Channel 9 talent show, stunning the youngster.
“It was surreal, I never expected anyone to turn so three judges turning was stunning,” Zach told the Express.
“I was told by the producers of The Voice during the initial rehearsals that my voice suited the song Mercy by Shawn Mendes, whose music I love.
“I never would have chosen this song but I am so glad they chose this for me.
“I grew up very quiet and I never did anything out of the ordinary.
“But growing up, I got out of the comfort zone, did a course in public speaking at the McCallums Hill Public School (Roselands).
“Realistically I don’t think I can go far in The Voice because there are so many talented people this year.
“But I would like to inspire others to take a chance, that anyone who is shy like me, can also do this.
“I thought I would make a fool of myself at The Voice, so if anyone out there wants to get upon stage and try it, I will tell them to do it, take a chance and make it happen.”
Now Zach — who chose Deltra Goodrem as his Voice coach — is through to the knock out round going against two rivals.
Kelly Rowland and Guy Sebastian were the other coaches — only Boy George did not — who turned around in the blind audition telecast on Tuesday, May 21.
Zach, a keen fencer, is now learning the piano and guitar, having been inspired by this fellow contestants on The Voice.
Zach, who said he was blown away by the positive response by the judges and audience, said it was very strange watching the episode at home with his family, including his two grandmothers.
“It was weird because I don’t like any attention, but I am so happy with the support not only from the family but from everyone,” said Zach, who attends Sydney Technical High School, Bexley.
“I chose Delta because I heard her at one of her shows and she was playing the piano, she was so graceful and her notes were just perfect.
“Everything she did was something I wanted to do. But it was tough to chose because I have always been a fan of Kelly (Rowland) while Guy’s (Sebastian) speech blew me away.”
Zach, who has Syrian and Greek heritage, gets his musical genes from mum Pauline, a former singer, and admits his elder sister Jasmine, 18, is a far more talented person than he is.
His dad Michael and eldest brother Haisan, 23, along with extended family, have also been big supporters.
“My sister is amazing and good at everything she does, including singing, dancing and has won scholarships for her studies,” said Zach, who is taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“I am really inspired by her and would not be doing this if not for her.
“I think, like me, she thought she is not good enough for The Voice, and now hope mum will nominate her too.
“I did not know mum had sent my name for show until one day when I was sitting on the coach, when mum starts freaking out and tells me: ‘You have the opportunity to audition for The Voice!’
“I initially thought it was for the Kids Voice until I went for the auditions … then I freaked out.”
Zach, who volunteers for the Red Cross store in Padstow and loves chess and coding, says his experience at The Voice shows that other shy people like him can also succeed under the spotlight.
“I must thank the backroom staff who were so good and very supporting for me,” Zach said.
“I will be giving it out my best in the knock out rounds.”
See his amazing reaction after his song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfE_hmtbtPo
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