Jess Mauboy breaks down in tears after emotional The Voice performance
One singer’s emotional rendition of a Celine Dion classic had the coaches enthralled — but it was a post-performance moment that had Jess Mauboy choked up.
Jess Mauboy has become the first — but surely not the last — Voice coach to cry this season.
The judge welled up on night one of the blind auditions after a contestant dedicated their performance to their “number one fan”, their mum.
Spinning her chair within seconds of 24-year-old Faith Sosene’s rendition of Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion, Jess had one question for the hopeful contestant.
“Faith, may I ask you, who are you singing this song for?” the stunned Australian Idol alum asked.
Faith, who is a full-time carer for her mother who suffers from arthritis and heart disease, fought back tears as she responded.
“My beautiful mum.
“My mum has shown the most sacrificial love I have seen in my whole life … These lyrics really embody that, so this song is really important to me,” she explained.
“We felt that,” Rita Ora told the singer, marvelling over the “passion” in her voice.
But it was Jess who was most affected by the strength of the lyrics as she made a pitch to her protégé.
“Well, Faith, that was just unbelievable to be honest,” she began.
“You really moved every single person in this room, and the rest of Australia. I turned instantly because of that power in your voice, and when I turned around, you had your hand out, and I realised you were singing to your mum … it just kind of struck me, and hearing you say that and how your mum had sacrificed everything for you …,” she said, taking a tearful pause.
“Instantly I totally understood that story,” she continued.
“I love my mum, and she has done so much for me and my family. But she has been completely the rock, and she has stood strong and just undeniable and with grace, she will just seize the day,” Jess explained, adding that she was “honoured” to have witnessed Faith’s performance.
“You singing to your mum totally took me to that place.
“I’m so grateful and honoured to sit here and for you to share that vulnerability … so thank you and thank your mum,” Jess concluded.
Taken by Jess’ outpouring of emotion, Faith ultimately chose her as coach as her proud mum looked on.
Declaring Faith an early favourite of her team, Jess then used the season’s fast-track option to send the singer straight through to the battle rounds.