The Voice nails these life lessons

IT’S not often the words “you can learn something from reality TV” come out of Rachel Corbett’s mouth. But it’s time to listen up.

IT’S not often the words “you really learn something watching reality TV” come out of my mouth. But after watching The Voice I realise those big voices and even bigger chairs might be distracting us from something way more important.

If you have someone in your life who needs a not so gentle nudge from douche to delightful you might want to introduce them to the Gospel of the red swivelly chairs. If they can avoid the distraction of Delta’s neckline and Jessie J’s ever-changing hairstyle, this is what they’ll learn …

1. THERE’S NOTHING MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN HUMILITY

It always surprises me how many people insist on Shooter McGavin-ing their way through life. Clearly they’re too busy fist pumping and back slapping “competitors” just that little bit too hard, to realise the horrible truth — no one ever roots for the douchebag.

Sure The Voice isn’t as d-bag heavy as other reality shows, but occasionally one or two slip through the cracks and the same thing always happens — they get cut down to size.

What a shock that multi-platinum, multi-award winning artists don’t want to spend time with someone who thinks they already know everything about music when the only thing they’ve recorded is a voice memo on their iPhone. Watching people realise they should have toned down the attitude shows that no matter where you are in life, humility always beats hubris.

2. VICTIMS OF BULLIES LEAVE THEIR TORMENTORS BEHIND

Every year there are at least two contestants (and usually a judge) who share tales of being bullied at school. This year, Carmel and Ashleigh, the Disney princesses are a perfect example of what this kind of horrible pressure does to a person — it creates a bloody spectacular diamond that EVERYONE wants to see win.

When a bully tears someone down in a pathetic attempt to compensate for their own insecurities they need to realise what they’re actually doing — creating Jessie J.

Hearing Jessie share her bullying experience with those two girls sent a powerful message to people going through the same thing — it gets better. It’s also an important reminder to bullies that their rubbish behaviour often fills their victim with precisely the amount of fire they need to leave their tormentor in the dust, where they belong.

3. YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE

While self-doubt often comes as an annoying part of the talent package, it’s important to try and keep it in check. A little bit results in humility but a lot can have you sabotaging things before you’ve given yourself a chance.

Last night in the battle rounds, Sarah spent most of her pre-performance interview convinced she’d already lost. Sure enough, on stage she failed to impress because no one can wow when they’re halfway out the door.

Believing in yourself is one of the hardest things to do but filling yourself with nothing but self-doubt guarantees your failure. It’s not over until the fat lady sings so you may as well suck it up, hope for the best and give it everything you’ve got.

4. SHOWING VULNERABILITY IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH, NOT WEAKNESS

Many people accuse The Voice of searching for a sob story but there’s a reason they do it. It’s because people who admit vulnerability show strength of character that immediately puts everyone on their side.

In a time when everyone is madly uploading the insta-perfect version of their life it’s important to remember how powerful it is to admit life isn’t always a Valencia-filtered photograph.

5. NICE GUYS DON’T FINISH LAST

You might be one of those people who thinks being nice doesn’t pay but The Voice proves when you’re a good person, even if you lose you win.

Let’s go back to my favourite moment of the week — Ashleigh and Carmel. When they got into the ring they performed like the only thing they wanted was for the other person to win. Their eyes were filled with pure joy and pride whenever they looked at each other and when they hugged at the end I was half way through a box of Kleenex.

Unsurprisingly, they were both saved and it was a perfect reminder that life is not a zero sum game. There’s enough success out there for everyone but what matters is climbing to the top in a way that ensures there’ll be plenty of people who want to be there with you to celebrate.

Except for the bullies — they’ll be serving the drinks.

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