Jess Mauboy’s emotional response to niece’s blind audition

Jessica Mauboy was reduced to tears in one of the most emotional moments of The Voice, after learning a family member was auditioning.

Saraya Mauboy-Hudson from the Northern Territory had Jessica Mauboy in tears on The Voice, and you can probably guess why from her name.

Being Jess’ niece, the 17-year-old was nervous to finally let her aunty hear her sing.

“Watching her become who she is was amazing,” Saraya told the camera, “But growing up she was just ‘Aunty Jess’.”

“I don’t really sing in front of her, I just sing in my room. I'm not very out there as I would like to be.”

“I usually tell my Aunty everything but Aunty Jess has no idea I’m auditioning today. There’s a big chance she won’t recognise my voice at all,” Saraya added.

Jess's face said it all. Picture: Channel 7

Singing Stay by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko, Saraya had Rita Ora turn first, with Jess and Guy Sebastian not hesitating to turn much later.

Jess immediately recognised her niece, overcome with emotion she burst into tears.

“What’s going on?” Rita asked. “What’s happening?”

“Hey Raya,” Jess said through tears.

“Do you guys know each other?” Rita asked.

“Yeah, she’s my niece,” Jess said.

Jess couldn't contain her emotions when she saw her niece perform. Picture: Channel 7

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“That is amazing,” Guy added. “I don’t think it’s fair to have someone you’re related to on The Voice,” he joked, referring to his brother Chris Sebastian who won the title last year.

After hearing all of the judges praises, Jess gave Saraya an incredibly heartwarming speech.

Saraya chose Rita Ora as her coach. Picture: Channel 7

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“I’m really really proud of you. I’m so proud of the young lady that you have become. I know there have been challenges in your life already and I’m so proud of you just breaking through them. I want to tell you right now, whoever you choose … it doesn’t have to be Aunty Jess. I want you to go with your heart. Right now, this is literally your opportunity to go whichever way you feel is your most comfortable. Bub no hard feelings, literally do what you need to do!”

Jess gave her niece some great advice. Picture: Channel 7

After a little deliberation, Saraya went with Rita Ora.

In full support of her decision, Jess ran up to her mum, dad and sister to say hello and give Saraya her blessing.

“It is a really great decision what you’re doing,” Jess told her. “You see Aunty Jess take this long journey and experience and you’ve heard Aunty Jess so many times, you’ve seen every performance. Now you need to come out of that circle and see something different.”